• Premier League

Suarez told to stay on his feet

ESPN staff
October 9, 2012
Luis Suarez is the centre of controversy once again © Getty Images
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Former Liverpool striker Roger Hunt believes Luis Suarez should simply remain on his feet in order to halt his reputation as a diver.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis called for three-match bans for players who go to ground too easily following Suarez's dramatic fall in the penalty box on Sunday afternoon. Hunt insists Brendan Rodgers must speak to Suarez about the problem, but also hopes the Uruguay international helps himself by refusing to go to ground.

"I think he's got the reputation now and sometimes it probably is a penalty but with his reputation the referees won't give him one," Hunt said.

"Someone must tell him to stop it, just play football. He doesn't have to do all that. It's not asking a lot for him to stay on his feet in those situations.

"It won't be easy for him to lose that reputation but I think that's the way to go. It's only going to benefit him eventually. Then referees will look at him and see he is behaving himself.

"Cristiano Ronaldo had a problem with it as well and Fergie (Sir Alex Ferguson) had a word with him - Ashley Young was diving too and Fergie had a word with him. I'm sure Brendan will have a word with him. I think he's strong enough to do that and everyone will benefit.

"I saw that (on Sunday) and it was nothing. The TV highlighted it. As a player you do get frustrated if you are getting kicked all over the place but that is not an excuse.

"You have to keep your cool because opposition players will try to wind him up and it won't be easy for him. Liverpool need him and they need him on the field all the time rather than being suspended."

Suarez has netted seven goals this term to lead Liverpool's attack, but has come in for criticism for spurning numerous gilt-edged opportunities.

"All strikers miss chances, except when you're retired like me," said Hunt. "I think Suarez could get 25 goals in a season. He's unique. I've never really seen a player like him. I've never seen a player get as much room in the penalty area as him.

"You're watching him and then all of a sudden he's on his own in the box or going to the byline twisting and turning. I think he's fantastic.

"But they need more than Suarez up front, don't they? Steven Gerrard will get a few but there are not a lot of goals in the rest of the team.

"When the transfer window opens again in January, he (Rodgers) could have Andy Carroll back (from a loan spell at West Ham) if he wants or maybe get another striker."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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