Rodgers on diving, netting & fines
Reds manager Brendan Rodgers has delivered his verdict on the three issues dominating the football agenda off the field this week – players diving, incidents involving supporters and UEFA punishments.
Asked by reporters on Friday for his opinion on the proliferation of diving in the sport, the Northern Irishman reflected that the problem was affecting the game at all levels.
"Luis Suarez was held up as the only one that seemed to be doing it. Whenever many other players were doing it, both British and European, it seemed to go very quiet," the boss commented.
"It's something that is the responsibility of the players. The managers can only guide and give their opinion to the players. I've seen it at all levels - the Premier League, reserve games, youth team games and some kids football.
"You see it now becoming a part of the game but it's certainly something we want to eradicate. It's a difficult one for the referees because they are having to make that judgement straight away.
"Pundits and others get a chance to review it a number of times. It's something we must work hard to eradicate from the game."
The analytical lens has also been directed towards supporters this week following the incident involving Rio Ferdinand last Sunday - when the Manchester United defender was struck by an object thrown from the crowd.
Rodgers continued: "What happened last week was scandalous - it could have taken out Rio Ferdinand's eye. But to go back to what it was years ago or putting nets up, I don't see that as a way forward.
"You get one or two mindless people at games and the focus has to be on them. How can we punish them so they never get the chance to do it again, not punish the other 40, 50, 60 thousand people. They are there for the passion and love of the sport."
The Northern Irishman was also quizzed at his pre-match press conference about the £65,000 fine handed to Serbia following racial abuse during an U21 match against England in October.
"I felt for the England players and staff that were there. It was bitterly disappointing to say the least. But it also showed the remarkable progress that has been made in this country over 20 years," added the 39-year-old.
"UEFA have given them a fine which is a slap on the wrist. It shows you the seriousness of how we see it and how we've worked very hard to get where we are today - and there is lots of work still needed to eradicate it. In terms of UEFA, it was disappointing.
"The sanction that they put out was not too dissimilar to someone advertising with a pair of pants. I thought it was poor, but that is up to them."