Former Liverpool star Jason McAteer has jumped in defense of Mohamed Salah over diving claims that have clouded the Egyptian’s reputation.
Jason McAteer believes Salah has faced unnecessary criticism over diving and luring players to make fouls. The ex-Liverpool man defended the Reds’ star but took a swipe at Tottenham’s Harry Kane in the process.
Both players have come under the radar for recent ‘cheating’ allegations. Salah was awarded a penalty against West Ham after he was brought down by Masuaku. However, replays showed there was very minimal contact and it appeared the Liverpool man made the most of it.
Harry Kane also saw criticism for going underneath Adam Lallana against Brighton. It is a tactic the Spurs man has been doing on a regular basis of late.
This won’t be the first time Salah has been accused of such. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp even had to defend his player. However, McAteer says the criticism of the Liverpool star is unwarranted.
“The reputation of a player known for diving does get tarnished, Salah is such a high-profile player and always makes the headlines.”
“He is a diminutive little player that likes to draw fouls in the oppositions’ box. Any player like that does get tarnished with diving,” McAteer said as quoted by Goal.
“When you look at Kane on Sunday, and also Luke Ayling for Leeds, no one has spoken about them, it has all been about Mo Salah.
“Referees all read the papers and watch the news, they all see it, so they’re going to think straight away that Salah is that sort of player.”
“But in his defense, VAR has been brought in to help referees distinguish what is a dive and what is not, so if a referee goes to the monitor and makes the decision that there was contact and Mo has gone down, it’s a penalty.”
“If he goes down theatrically, the referee must also take that into consideration, it doesn’t take away from the fact that it is a mistimed tackle, the other player has made contact.”
While defending Salah, he didn’t offer the same verdict for Kane.
“I thought the Kane incident at the weekend was a poor one. He backed into Adam Lallana and threw his legs up in the air.”
“Ex-professionals of the game should be in Stockley Park to help the officials and know what these modern footballers are doing on the pitch, it could improve the game massively.”
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