England vs Italy: Former Liverpool star blasts 'diving' Raheem Sterling

Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has lambasted Raheem Sterling for "blatant and scandalous dive"


The former Reds believes Sterling committed a "blatant dive" to win a penalty for England in their victory against Denmark in the Euro 2020 semifinals.

England made history on Wednesday night, after an own goal from Simon Kjaer and Harry Kane’s rebounded spot kick earn them a place in the Euro 2020 final.

Kane’s goal came after Sterling was awarded a penalty thanks to a foul from Joakim Maehle.

Denmark’s players were furious with the decision, with replays showing that contact was minimal at best. 

And former Germany international Hamann, who turned out for Liverpool and Manchester City during his playing days, suggested the 'dive' went against the spirit of the game.

England were awarded a penalty after Raheem Sterling went down in the box.

"I think it's scandalous," Hamann told RTE. 

"Obviously they saw the game out well after going ahead, but they won with a penalty which was a blatant dive.

"This is not in the spirit of the game.

"England always prides itself on being the home of fair play and no diving. We all remember what happened with [Jurgen] Klinsmann when he came to England and he dived, and then they had the celebration with the diving.

"Sterling probably thought the challenge was going to come, so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. But Maehle pulls out of the tackle because he sees he can’t get there. There is no contact whatsoever.

England face Italy on Sunday evening in the competition's final and it's the Three Lions' first time of reaching the final of the men's European championship.

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