The Football Association were today investigating a gesture made by Luis Suarez towards Fulham fans after Liverpool's 1-0 loss at Craven Cottage last night.
Liverpool and their Uruguay striker, who had a goal ruled out for offside, endured a frustrating evening with Jay Spearing being sent off before Clint Dempsey's late winner.
Suarez's willingness to go to ground throughout the match prompted chants of "cheat" from Fulham supporters, to which the 24-year-old responded by raising his middle finger when leaving the pitch after the final whistle. But Fulham's John Arne Riise, who was unaware of the gesture, defended Suarez, who is already facing an FA racism charge, for his play acting.
"That happens, that's football," he said. "If he is diving or not diving, that's not up to us. We play on, and if we feel it's not a free-kick then we tell him. He's a good player, we respect him for what he is doing. You could see three or four times he got frustrated. But then it goes quickly away and that is the professionalism he has in his body. He is mentally very strong."
The victory lifts Martin Jol's side up to 13th in the Premier League table and follows an impressive 1-1 draw at Arsenal a week earlier.
Fulham face Manchester United and Chelsea in the coming month and Riise says the result at the Emirates as well as a win against his former side gives them belief they can beat anyone.
"We've played very good football in the last few games," he added.
"To play against the top teams is hard work. On paper they are better sides. But if we do what we can we have a chance to go away with a point or even three points.
"It was a special game to be involved in [as an ex-Liverpool player]. It was mixed emotions, but an emotional high when the final whistle went."
