Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech believes Luis Suarez should be acknowledged for not trying to cheat during the draw with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Suarez, who had earlier equalised for Brendan Rodgers’ side, threatened to steal a late victory as he raced to contest a loose ball with the Blues shot-stopper, deciding to stay on his feet as they crashed into each other.
Despite the striker being criticised for going to ground too easily this season, Cech admits he was pleasantly surprised that he didn’t attempt to dive during their confrontation and believes he should be praised for it, and also hailed the Uruguayan’s talents.
“We should give Suarez credit because when we had a one-versus-one, he didn’t try to cheat and jump or dive, and that was a fair thing for him to do,” Cech told reporters.
“We all know how dangerous he is in the box. He’s a natural goalscorer, always in the right place to tap the ball in. It’s a gift not everyone has.
“He is on fire this season in terms of scoring goals and, unfortunately, he had the chance to keep that run going on Sunday.”
Cech also revealed he has no grievances with the ex-Ajax striker’s second-half leveller despite replays showing he shoved Ramires out of the way in order to reach Suso’s 73rd-minute corner.
The 30-year-old added: “Suarez is a clever player and he did it in a moment when the referee and his assistant couldn’t have seen it.
“I don’t know how much of a push there was by Suarez but we should have been 3-0 up and we shouldn’t be discussing the incident.”