Video: Luis Suarez at centre of diving controversy as Uruguay defeat Argentina 3-2, but they'll have to qualify for the World Cup via the play-offs
Uruguay need to defeat Jordan across the two-leg Intercontinental play-offs if they are to reach the Finals in Brazil after finishing fifth in the Conmebol qualification
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is once again the centre of a fresh diving controversy after he won a penalty for Uruguay in their 3-2 victory over Argentina on Tuesday night.
Déjà vu? Well, it’s certainly not the first time Suarez has been at the subject of controversy, or even accused of diving. Peru were angered last month when they felt the 26-year-old had clearly dived to win his side a penalty, and Argentinian defender Sebastian Dominguez echoed those sentiments in last night’s encounter.
Suarez also admitted deliberately going to ground to ensure he won a penalty for the Reds against Stoke, and he dived in front of former Everton manager David Moyes in celebration of a goal after Moyes’ pre-match comments that the Uruguayan “spoils the game” with his diving antics.
The incident comes after Suarez only just returned from a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic towards the end of last season. Within that time, Suarez attempted to force through a move away from Andfield, with Arsenal mounting a bid to try and sign the forward which resulted in failure.
Despite the victory over the Conmebol leaders Argentina, the result was not enough to ensure their place in next summer’s World Cup. Instead, they will face a two-legged Intercontinental play-off against Jordan for a place in the Finals.
To add insult to injury, Suarez converted from the spot to double Uruguay’s lead after Christian Rodriguez had opened the scoring, but two goals from Suarez’s former team-mate on Merseyside Maxi Rodriguez ensured the sides went in at half-time level.
But a 50th-minute strike from Paris St-Germain’s summer signing Edinson Cavani proved to be the difference as Uruguay ran out eventual winners in an entertaining match at the Estadio Centenario.
Did Luis Suarez dive, or was he pushed? Watch the video below to make your decision…
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments