Everton manager Roberto Martinez has denied claims that Ross Barkley is a diver.
The talented youngster was accused of simulation during the weekend's 2-1 win over West Ham United at Goodison Park with Hammers boss Sam Allardyce suggesting he fell easily to win a free-kick which led to his side's opening goal.
However, Martinez has played down suggestions that the 20-year old England midfielder attempted to dive when under slight pressure from Kevin Nolan and stated that Barkley actually deals well with the close-checking treatment he regularly receives.
"Not at all - I don't think it (Saturday's incident) was a dive as such," said Martinez.
"When you are a player like Ross Barkley and you are getting so many knocks and kicks during the game, the only thing he did was anticipate a tackle that didn't arrive - he tried to get out of the way.
"I don't think he looks for those sort of decisions. He wasn't trying to buy a decision.
"It is an incident from the game that you can understand - when you see his legs after the game, you understand the rough treatment he gets.
"It was just a reaction. The whole situation has been blown out of proportion."
