29.12.2002 - Houllier: Winter was 'conned'

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Gerard Houllier accused Arsenal striker Francis Jeffers of diving in tonight's 1-1 draw at Highbury.

Speaking soon after the game, Houllier said that referee Jeff Winter had been 'conned' by Jeffers dive, which led to Arsenal's equaliser.

The Reds boss also appealed for Winter to rescind the yellow card which was issued to John Arne Riise for the apparent foul on Jeffers.

Houllier said: "I'm not blaming Mr Winter, as he was conned by the dive of the player.

'I asked John Arne Riise and he's very honest and fair, and he said he didn't pull the shirt. He was very unhappy as he felt it was unfair.

'If a penalty is given every time there's a physical contact between two players in the box and the striker dives, as Jeffers did, there would be 50 of them every game.'

'What I can't accept is that he gave a yellow card so I hope the referee will review his decision and rescind that card. The one who should have got the card was the diver.'