Grant jumps to Drogba's defence

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Benitez claims to have compiled a four-year dossier of Drogba's 'diving' antics and the striker came in for more criticism following the 1-1 first-leg draw at Anfield.

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

He added: "If you look at the video and see what Jamie Carragher did to him in the first game, you will see the referee was very polite.

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

"I will not speak about the players of Liverpool and what they do. I don't like it when others speak about mine.

"In the first half of the first game, the referee could easily have given a yellow card to Carragher to get him banned for this match.

"It could have been offside for Ryan Babel in the build-up to their goal, even if he was not involved in the goal. I think he (Benitez) is trying to take attention from this.

"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. One way to stop him is to use power more than ever. I think he has tried to affect the referee so he does not do his job."