March 24 2015

James McArthur (Photo: Andy Roberts)

Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur has insisted that he is no cheat.

The Scot was booked for simulation after tumbling easily under the challenge of Charlie Adam during Saturday's 2-1 win at Stoke.

Eagles boss Alan Pardew wasn't happy with the player, speaking on Sky Sports the next day: "He dived. He should be embarrassed. He’s a great professional and that’s unlike him. I was surprised but it shows what pressure does to players.

"I haven’t spoken to him about it but I don’t need to. He will see the replay and he will be embarrassed."

But McArthur, who is currently on Scotland duty ahead of games against Northern Ireland and Gibraltar, is adamant he didn't try to trick the referee.

"I’ve watched it again and it doesn’t look like a penalty, if I’m honest," he said. "It wasn’t a dive. I’ve gone down quite easily, but I’m not the type of person to drive really.

"It may look like a dive, but it’s not like I’ve gone down to try and cheat the other team."