InTheNews.co.uk
Breaking News:
Your source for news

Football Story

 30 August 2008 16:56 BST

Grant defends Drogba over diving accusations

Wednesday, 30 Apr 2008 12:42
Chelsea boss Avram Grant says Didier Drogba is not a diver
Chelsea manager Avram Grant has issued a stern rebuttal to Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez after he accused Didier Drogba of persistent diving.

Benitez began the war of words yesterday when he claimed the Ivorian striker frequently goes down too early under pressure from opponents and looks to earn cheap free-kicks for his team.

But Grant, speaking ahead of tonight's Champions League semi-final second leg between the sides at Stamford Bridge, defended his player – saying he is frequently targeted for rough treatment by the opposition.

"I don't think he is a diver at all. He's a good player and he's a powerful player, so the referee needs to look at what happens to him more," Grant explained.

"He looks so powerful, defenders think there are other ways to stop him."

To underscore his point, Grant pointed to the first leg of the semi-final at Anfield, which finished 1-1.

The Israeli coach claimed Reds defender Jamie Carragher "could easily have got a yellow card" for persistent challenges on Drogba, which would have seen him suspended for the second leg.

And Grant claimed Benitez's comments show he is trying to take the focus off the Liverpool players who are one booking away from a ban.

"I think he is trying to take attention from this," the Blues boss continued.

"Rafa can say whatever he wants to say - I say what I think.

"Ask him why he's saying that. I think the reason is clear. I think he has tried to affect the referee so he does not do his job."End of story


More football news... 

Also In The News 

© 2004- 2008 www.inthenews.co.uk. Advertise | Privacy | Terms of Use