Giggs accused of diving

Koen Freriks

14 september 2006, 11:59

Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs has been accused of diving in the Champions League clash against Celtic on Wednesday.

United won the Group F opener 3-2, but Celtic were aggrieved that the Slovakian referee Lubos Michel awarded the home side a penalty when Artur Borac was adjudged to have brought down Giggs in the penalty area.

Saha equalized from the spot but Celtic's captain Neil Lennon insisted that the penalty should not have been able to stand, "From the angle I had, contact with Giggs was minimal."

The official has angered Celtic in the past in his refereeing of the club's controversial 2003 UEFA Cup final defeat against FC Porto, and Lennon added, "We were not expecting any favours from Lubos Michel. He could not wait to give it."

Celtic's Polish goalkeeper Boruc was more damning about Giggs' contribution, "I did not touch him and he dived." Manager Gordon Strachan also expressed his doubt at the decision, but was more philosophical, "The referee made one mistake but we made numerous."

Giggs came off injured shortly afterwards and Ferguson confirmed that the Welshman will be out for three weeks with a hamstring problem.