Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny: Liverpool’s Luis Suárez is a ‘cheat’
Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny hits out at Liverpool striker Luis Suárez, calling the Uruguayan a "cheat" and a "diver"
Laurent Koscielny has launched an astonishing attack on Liverpool’s Luis Suárez, with the Arsenal defender branding the Uruguayan a “diver” and a “cheat”.
The Reds striker has been at the centre of a diving debate in recent weeks, with Stoke City manager Tony Pulis demanding retrospective bans for players who dive following the forward’s attempt to win a penalty in the goalless draw at Anfield.
However, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has defended the former Ajax man, insisting the 25-year-old’s reputation means he is being unfairly targeted by officials in the Premier League.
Koscielny, who was a substitute Arsenal’s 2-1 victory at Anfield in September, revealed he despises the facing the Liverpool star.
“Who is the forward I hate to face? Suárez,” Koscielny was quoted as saying by L’Equipe.
“Last season I didn’t feel too well. It was a match at 12.30 and I don’t like that schedule.
“He is tiresome to defend against. He cheats. He pulls your shirt, giving small blows. You always want to give him a kick but you have to be careful not to be red carded.”
He added: “For example on September 2 against Liverpool, it was the case with Luis Suárez.
“He is a player who likes to dive as soon as there is contact. During a challenge we jostled a bit each other and he fell.
“He started to talk to me in English, to say it was a penalty.”
