Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson defended Mohamed Salah, saying any accusations of diving aimed at the forward were "desperation".
Salah again came under fire after being fouled for a penalty, which he converted, in Saturday's 1-0 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion.
Advertisement
The Egypt star was similarly criticised following Liverpool's thrashing of Arsenal last month.
Robertson backed his team-mate and said the constant questions surrounding Salah were unfair.
"Every time it happens, we go back, everyone looks at the video, and you go, 'Well, it's not a dive'," Robertson told UK newspapers.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 12, 2019
"He is not that sort of player, so how many times is it going to happen?
"I was at the edge of the box and it was a stonewaller. If people are starting to say Mo has gone down easily, it's not fair.
"The one against Arsenal, especially, he got clipped three times. They still appealed. It's a bit of desperation."
Salah's spot-kick sent Liverpool seven points clear at the top, although Manchester City can close that back to four with a win over Wolves on Monday.
