Leicester, April 21 (IANS) England coach Roy Hodgson has defended Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy saying he did not dive in Sundays English Premier League match against West Ham United and reacted like a "human being" after being shown the red-card by referee Jon Moss.
The forward who is most certain to secure a place in Hodgsons squad for Euro 2016 has to respond to a Football Association charge of improper conduct as a result of his foul-mouthed reaction to the red card.
Vardy got sent off at the weekend, but once again I will go out on a limb because I dont see that as a dive, Hodgson was quoted as saying by the Independent on Wednesday.
I think he was unbalanced. I dont think it was a penalty either, I think he was unbalanced, running at that speed."
I think there was a very slight contact with the defender, who was trying to cover. I think he (Vardy) went down because he was unbalanced. I dont think he was trying to dive," he added.
Hodgson further stated that Vardy was unlucky to be sent off that way.
But of course all the pundits I hear say he was trying to dive, look how he dived. I dont see it and I wouldnt blame him for that. I sympathise with him, I think he was very, very unlucky, he said.
The coach added that Vardys angry reaction to the decision was fuelled by emotions.
He has had to swallow the fact that he has been made to leave the field, then, of course, he has reacted like sometimes human beings react, he said.
He hasnt just said to the ref, that is all right, I understand and shakes hands and have a good game. He has called him a few names. But he is a human being and that can happen.
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