Australian star Harry Kewell has been branded a cheat after Liverpool's narrow win over third division Yeovil in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Yeovil defender Hugo Rodrigues claims Kewell admitted he dived to win a controversial penalty in the 2-0 win.

El-Hadji Diouf had already been booked for diving in the first half before Kewell enjoyed better fortune when going down theatrically just inside the box after 77 minutes.

Danny Murphy stepped up to secure the win after substitute Emile Heskey had opened the scoring seven minutes earlier.

But Rodrigues told The Sun: "I spoke with Kewell at the time and told him I never touched him. He said 'Yeah, I know you didn't. But this is football, man. I had to dive'.

"I have seen my challenge on Kewell again on the TV and it definitely wasn't a foul.

"We deserved at least a draw because they scored one goal and were given a penalty that was not a penalty.

"Liverpool tried it at least four times in the first half and they do it to put pressure on the referee."

Reds boss Gerard Houllier brushed aside criticism of his side.

The Liverpool manager insisted his side had been "professional, composed and disciplined".

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP