Kewell is no diver: Agent

Harry Kewell’s agent has hit back at allegations the Liverpool star is a diver.

Kewell reportedly told Yeovil defender Hugo Rodrigues he dived to win a penalty – which Danny Murphy converted – in Liverpool’s 2-0 FA Cup third-round victory at Huish Park yesterday.

Portuguese centre-back Rodrigues told The Sun he confronted Kewell after the tie and angrily told the Australia international there was no contact, to which he claims the 25-year-old replied: “Yeah, I know you didn’t, but this is football, man. I had to dive.”

But Bernie Mandic, who represents Kewell, said: “I would be shocked and amazed if Harry said that.

“I’ve spoken to him since the game – and from what he tells me he caught the bloke’s foot.

“If catching the bloke’s foot is a dive then Mr Rodrigues should check the definition of what a penalty is.

“He can say what he wants. He has a right to free speech, but Harry is not a diver and never has been. He is not in the diving business.

“I think with these sort of things you should look at a player’s previous history, and that pretty much tells you what he is about.

“Australians never normally pick up habits like that anyway. I think this fella Rodrigues is trying to make the best he can out of the situation.”