Liverpool manager Kenny Dalgish insisted striker Andy Carroll wasn't a cheat as the under-pressure striker endured a miserable return to Tyneside in a 2-0 defeat by Newcastle here on Sunday.
Carroll, who has scored only five league goals since his £35 million ($56 million) move to Anfield last year, was booked for diving in the first half when, after rounding Magpies goalkeeper Tim Krul he went to ground rather than shot at St James' Park.
"I don't think it was a penalty but neither did I think Andy was trying to get a penalty," Dalglish told Sky Sports.
"The decision not to give a penalty was correct but it was harsh to show him a yellow card, he was always struggling to keep his balance," the Anfield great added.
Senegal striker Papiss Cisse, one of Carroll's successors at Newcastle, scored twice as Liverpool suffered a sixth defeat in seven league games with this loss compounded by the late red card shown to goalkeeper Jose Reina for headbutting James Perch.
Dalglish was adamant Liverpool should have had a penalty when Danny Simpson appeared to handle on the line but otherwise the former Newcastle manager had few other complaints.
"We had chances and we were unfortunate not to get a penalty, and that would have left us playing against 10 men," he said.
"Then they got the goal, which from our point of view was disappointing, and the boys showed frustration and maybe started feeling sorry for themselves.
"Pepe got frustrated and got himself a red card and Andy marched up the tunnel (after being substituted), he was frustrated and disappointed for himself and at the result.
"There's no problem with the red card for Pepe but there is a problem that we never had a penalty kick."
Opposite number Alan Pardew had a different view on the Simpson incident, saying:"It hit (Simpson) high on the shoulder, I'd be very surprised if the referee gives that -- it's not a hand sticking out, I thought it was fine."
He also defended the decision to allow Newcastle's second goal, when Cisse was initially offside when Demba Ba passed the ball but a possible touch off Hatem Ben Arfa or his marker saw play continue.
"That little touch, by that time the Liverpool player is level and he's onside," said Pardew.
"It's a rule none of us managers like but that's how it is."
Victory saw Newcastle stay sixth and remain firmly in the hunt for Champions League football next season.
"It's massive, it keeps the momentum going and the dream alive of as high a finish as possible," Pardew said.
"If we keep playing like that and working hard then anything's possible."
Source: AFP
