Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz has hailed the contribution referees make to the Premier League.

Since moving to the league this term, Santa Cruz has been impressed with the way the men in black are not as easily fooled by cheats as on the continent.

He believes their tough stance helps the English game maintain its fast flow and excitement.

Speaking about the league, the Paraguayan told The Guardian: "The biggest thing for me is the referees.

"I like the referees. They don't give easy fouls.

"If someone goes down too easily, they don't give a free-kick and that helps the football become even faster.

"In other countries football is too easy for the cheats. People are looking for easy fouls, always falling over, and it makes the games too slow."