Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has labelled Liverpool’s Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez as a cheat and a player he hates to mark.
The former Ajax Amsterdam striker, who once was suspended for biting in the Eredivisie, has caused a huge stir in England since his move to Liverpool from the Netherlands, with a public race incident involving Patrice Evra and claims he falls too easily.
In recent weeks, Suarez has been criticised by Stoke City boss Tony Pulis and also Fifa vice-president Jim Boyce for his onfield antics.
And Koscielny was the latest well-known football personality to pour further fuel on the fire, claiming he needs to concentrate hard to avoid wanting to kick Suarez when playing on him.
“A striker that I hate to mark? Luis Suarez,” Koscielny told L’Equipe. “He is hard to take. He cheats, pulls your shirt and gives you little kicks. You always want to give him a kick but you have to be careful not to be red carded.”
Last week Boyce said Suarez’s actions are “nothing less than cheating” before the player and Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers came out in his defence.