Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva claimed that AS Monaco defender Eric Dier is “known for diving” despite being stood near the Englishman following last night’s Champions League clash.
Silva, 31, and Dier, also 31, both started the Champions League league phase clash between City and Monaco at the Stade Louis II on Wednesday evening.
Erling Haaland’s first-half brace put the Premier League side 2-1 up at half-time, with the Ligue 1 outfit’s Jordan Teze having earlier equalised.
However, Dier slotted home a last-gasp penalty after the former Spurs man was kicked in the head by Nico Gonzalez.
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The draw leaves City fourth while Monaco are now 30th in the 36-team league phase after two matches.
And despite the game providing an exciting spectacle, fans were also entertained by both Silva and Dier’s post-match interviews.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Silva offered his thoughts on his side’s performance before being asked if he’d seen the late penalty decision.
“I haven’t, I haven’t,” Silva said.
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“Maybe it’s a penalty. What do you think?”
Reporter Olivia Buzaglo then replied: “Basically, so I think it was Nico Gonzalez, his foot was high, he got the ball, but his shin almost hit Eric Dier in the face.”
Silva then responded by saying how he would “have to watch it now” before jokingly adding, “Eric Dier, he’s known for diving so…” while smiling at the defender who was standing waiting to be interviewed.
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Of course, Dier was also asked about the penalty incident and about Silva’s stance.
“I heard Bernardo… saying that I was diving,” Dier quipped before stressing how there was “contact” with his face from Gonzalez.
Fans were quick to have their say on the comical interview on social media.
One said: “Why would he even say that. Bad sportsmanship.”
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Another added: “Never a pen, he even knows it wasn’t.”
A third claimed: “Lmao, as if Bernardo can complain about anyone diving. He's one of the worst in the whole sport for it.”
While a fourth commented: “Everyone getting upset over a clipped comment without watching the video. He said what he said in front of Dier, perhaps, and laughed in a joking manner. We are too reactionary. So easy to bait.”
City return to Premier League action with a trip to Brentford on Sunday.
Topics: Football, Champions League, Manchester City, AS Monaco, Bernardo Silva, Eric Dier
Luke Davies