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David Ngog 'dive' is welcome slice of luck for Rafael Benitez
10.11.09
Rafa Benitez is hoping that his luck has changed after last night's fortunate 2-2 draw with Birmingham at Anfield.
Liverpool's point came from a huge slice of good fortune when referee Peter Walton awarded a penalty against Lee Carsley for a tackle on David Ngog that made no contact with ball or opponent.
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish accused the French youngster of diving, and Benitez admitted the penalty should not have been given. Ngog had grabbed an early lead for Liverpool, who were stunned by two goals before the break by Christian Benitez and Cameron Jerome.
The penalty came mid-way through a one-sided second period, with Steven Gerrard - on as a substitute - ramming the spot-kick past Joe Hart.
Benitez said: "We scored with a penalty that probably wasn't a penalty, but we deserved to win.
"I have asked Ngog and he said that maybe it wasn't a penalty, either."
Benitez, who has now lost Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera with hamstring injuries, revealed that Fernando Torres, suffering a groin problem, "did not feel confident to play."
Reader views (5)
If Rafael needs a deliberate cheat to change Liverpools luck,he is in a sorry state.Ngog you cheated,you know you cheated lets hope you have a conscience that will nag at you.
- G.Diamond, Romford Essex
It appears the authorities, newspapers & Sky just love the circus that goes with football's dodgy decisions. Just think of all those hours the sport news channels and pre game hype centre on the unjustice of bad decisions rather than the excellence of the players or games.
Simple answer, have a TV referee at all top level games. Like with rugby, any decision that critically affects the match ie penalties, red card decisions, unsighted goals, apparent bad tackles, would all go to the TV referee for clarity if the referee requires assistance. Its not 100% but it might bring back the essence of the game at top level, which seems to have disappeared. Perhaps I'm in the minority but to see a game fairly played, with passion, with a result that is justified, tackles made are legitimate, illegal ones punished properly and skill is the priority seem to have disappeared....
- Carl, London
'If I saw a team-mate doing it (diving), I would definitely have a word' say sayeth St Stevie of Gerrard.
What, like, 'good on you for 'winning' that penalty, mate, I'll take it?'
- Neil, Bedford, England
Where is the screaming vitriol from the Rangers camp? Where are the calls for FIFA involvement and charges of deceiving the referee? This was an obvious dive and Liverpool should be ashamed. How low they have sunk this season.
- Paul, Stevenage
As Ngog's blatant dive was far far worse than Eduardos' alledged dive, I presume he will be suitably crucified by the media & fans alike.
- Rob Gooner, North London
