Soccer: Thornley denies diving allegation

Aberdeen winger Ben Thornley has denied diving to win his side a penalty in the 3-2 win over Hearts on Saturday.

The former Manchester United and Huddersfield player was sent off after an off-the-ball kick aimed at Irish international Alan Maybury shortly after Robbie Winters had converted the controversial spot-kick.

Hearts defender Kevin McKenna is convinced the winger cheated, but the Aberdeen favourite has hit back at the claims.

‘‘I didn’t dive for the penalty, there was definite contact,’’ said Thornley. ‘‘He definitely bodychecked me, there was no doubt about it.

‘‘He tried to get out of my way but didn’t make a good enough job of it. I was running at pace and he caught me around the shoulders and knocked me out of my stride.

‘‘Any player who gives away a penalty is going to say that the other player dived but there is no way I did.’’