Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers defends Luis Suarez after Liverpool ace caught up in another cheat storm

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has defended Luis Suarez after the striker's controversial winner against Mansfield.

The Uruguayan hitman handled the ball in the build-up to his goal against the Stags, which secured a 2-1 win for the Reds in the FA Cup third round clash.

Suarez was subjected to cries of 'cheat' from the home crowd and Mansfield chief executive Carolyn Radford later claimed the tie had been ‘stolen’ from her club.

But Rodgers said: "It's hit his hand but what do you want him to do in that situation?

"I don't think it's even a discussion [that he should have owned up] and I don't think people would ask the question if it was anyone else.

"The ball has popped up, it's hit him and, after that, it is up to the officials what they do. I said to the fourth official straight away: 'Was that handball?' and he said they had seen it but they decided that it was not deliberate.

"It's not his fault. But he has a thick skin and I think people are starting to recognise the ability the boy has. He is a brilliant talent as you have seen him in that little cameo when he has scored one and might have scored a number more.

"He is a wonderful professional and we need to appreciate him while he is here. He loves it. He is a great family man and a great player."