Martinez: Ross is not a diver

Everton boss Roberto Martinez insists Ross Barkley is no diver and claims the incident where the Toffees midfielder went to ground in Saturday’s game against West Ham "has been blown out of proportion".

Barkley has faced accusations of diving after he hit the deck in the first half of the 2-1 Premier League home victory over the Hammers, winning his side a free-kick, even though replays showed there had been no contact on him from his nearest opponent, Kevin Nolan.

Martinez is adamant 20-year-old England international Barkley is not the sort of player to try to “buy a decision”.