Salah slammed for 'diving' as Liverpool passes Palace test

LONDON - Mo Salah was engulfed in a diving controversy after the Egyptian star won a debatable penalty to send Liverpool on its way to a 2-0 win over 10-man Crystal Palace on Monday.

Salah was accused of simulation by the Eagles when he tumbled under a challenge from former Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho late in the first half at Selhurst Park.

Referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot and James Milner converted from 12 yards.

In his role as Sky Sports analyst, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville said it was a dive.

"A lot of people won't like it. If it's against you, you'll think it's soft," said Neville. "It is a theatrical fall which we've seen a lot of players do."

Aaron Wan-Bissaka was sent off in the second half for bringing down Salah as he raced clear before Sadio Mane's stoppage-time strike made sure of the points.

Fuming Palace boss Roy Hodgson said: "My frustration is I don't think that's a penalty. It's cause for anger and disappointment.

"I've been in football a long time. If that's a penalty the game has changed beyond all recognition. Sakho is a defender and he has to try to defend.

"There is no way he is looking to foul the player. Liverpool didn't deserve to be leading."

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp sidestepped the diving row, claiming he hadn't seen the incident clearly.

"I didn't ask Mo about that. I didn't see it. It looked like it was (a penalty), but I have no idea," the German said.

After Manchester City's 6-1 demolition of Huddersfield Town on Sunday, it was important for Liverpool to keep pace with the champion, even at this early stage of the season.

Klopp's team maintained its perfect record following the rout of West Ham on the opening weekend.

But Klopp refused to talk up his team's title chances after the match.

"I am not interested in sending statements to Manchester City or anyone else. I just want to win football games," he said.

"I couldn't care less, really. We are not in a race with other Premier League teams each weekend."

Salah was in the thick of the action right from the start, firing an early chance over the bar after breaking free.

Andros Townsend blasted a shot off the bar from 25 yards for the host before Salah tumbled over Sakho's outstretched leg - appearing to delay his fall to earn the penalty.

Milner, ignoring the Palace fans' chants of "Cheat!", sent Wayne Hennessey the wrong way with his spot-kick.

Another blistering break from Salah induced a lunge from Wan-Bissaka to trigger the fullback's red card. The 20-year-old hardly made contact with Salah, but again Oliver ruled in Liverpool's favor.

Senegal winger Mane put the result beyond doubt when he sprinted clear, rounded Hennessey and slotted home.

"In these moments the fuel is really low and maybe the players need a bit of help from an angry manager - 'Run or I will kill you' - and they did that," Klopp smiled.

Agence France-Presse