Big Sam steps in to defend Olsson

Big Sam has defended his own player Martin Olsson after he has become the victim of a bit of a backlash for his dive against Burnley last Sunday.

Olsson admitted after the game that he facilitated his fall and expect a yellow card for his troubles, only to find the penalty awarded.

But Big Sam hs taken a stance against the baying mob with the following comments.

Allardyce, speaking to Sky Sports said - 'I'm not sure, first and foremost, that Martin said what he did, but unfortunately for him and us, he's been criticised unfairly,'

'We all know he has gone down easily, anticipating a challenge that was going to come.

'From where I was sat in the directors' box there was no doubt at all in my mind it was a penalty.

'From Mike Dean's position there was no doubt as well, but we can see from other angles after the game that it wasn't.

'In fairness, the times we've been hard done by outweighs 10-fold the fact we got this one in our favour.'

To be fair to Martin, yes he did dive and he put his hands up.

I am not condoning the cheating but he is hardly the first is he? And furthermore at least he can man up and admit unlike some others... Steven Gerrard springs to mind.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.