'He is not malicious, it is just his nature': Brendan Rodgers defends Luis Suarez's character

Liverpool manager unhappy about diving admission

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admits the darker side of striker Luis Suarez will always grab headlines but maintains privately the player is vastly different to his public profile.

The Reds boss had cause to speak to the Uruguay international yesterday to reprimand him over an admission he dived in an attempt to win a penalty earlier this season.

That confession, in which the 25-year-old said "I was accused of falling inside the box in a match, and it's true I did it that time", brought words of censure from Rodgers.

"It is unacceptable. It is not something we advocate here. Our ethics are correct," he said.

"I've spoken to Luis and it will be dealt with internally."

Rodgers has staunchly backed his star striker since taking over from predecessor Kenny Dalglish, who did exactly the same last season.

And while he accepts the player has been - and most probably will always be - dogged by controversy that is not the full picture.

"He has been a topic for people, particular for the media, because of his great moments of football and things which have happened off the pitch," he added.

"The majority of this season has been based around his performances on the field, in which he has shown the true top player he is.

"In fairness to Luis he has knocked on my door and actually apologised as well.

"He got booked in a game (against Southampton) where he instinctively handled the ball and the very next day he came in and apologised for it.

"It is instinctive with him, that is the type of player he is.

"He is not malicious, it is just his nature. He is a sensitive boy as well and he seems to cope remarkably well with everything.

"He will always be a topic for conversation but that's because he's a top player."

In his interview with Argentinian television, Suarez also claimed South American players get a rougher ride from the media than their British counterparts.

It was not an area in which Rodgers wanted to venture but he did have sympathy with the argument.

"I don't really want to go into that too much but it is obviously something he feels," he said.

"But I understand the point: sometimes issues which will get laughed off if it is a British player will be deemed more cynical if it is a European or South American player."

PA