Johnson unfairly branded as a diver, say Toffees

ANDREW JOHNSON’S Everton team-mates believe the striker is unfairly being branded as a diver after criticism by some managers.

Johnson’s Everton colleagues believe he is suffering at the hands of referees because of all the comments.

He was jeered by Fulham fans when he went down under a challenge from Ian Pearce, the penalty appeal being turned down by referee Martin Atkinson.

But TV replays showed that Pearce did not play the ball as Johnson tumbled.

Now Everton defender Alan Stubbs have jumped to the defence of Johnson.

Stubbs said: “It was a stonewall penalty. A certain manager’s comments has put all the referees on alert and I’ve no idea why the referee never gave it. ”