Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva insists Birmingham City are wrong to claim David Ngog dived. Blues midfielder Lee Carsley accused Ngog of diving after appearing to make no contact with the Reds player when making a challenge in the box.

But Lucas' own instant reaction was that a spot-kick was the correct award and feels Ngog will not be affected by the furore over the incident.

Lucas, currently preparing for Brazil's friendly international with England in Doha tomorrow, said: "To be honest I was on the pitch and I thought straight away 'it is a penalty.'

"I really didn't see another decision that the referee could have made.

"These things happen in football. 50% of the time it is not a penalty. We just have to give David confidence to keep going.

"He had a great game and he is improving all the time."

Lucas added: "I don't think David will get targeted by referees.

"Something similar happened with Eduardo as well earlier this season - and we know Eduardo is not a diver.

"We have to give David confidence and hopefully he will be okay for the next game."