Angel Rangel says he dived against Manchester United
Monday 4 January 2016 01:12, UK
Angel Rangel has admitted he dived in an attempt to win a penalty for Swansea in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Manchester United.
In the 63rd minute of the Swans' defeat, Andre Ayew's shot cannoned back off the bar and fell to Rangel, who took a touch before falling to the floor as Matteo Darmian approached him.
The Swansea fans demanded a penalty, but Jon Moss booked Rangel for diving instead and after the match the Spaniard admitted the referee had made the right decision.
Rangel's admission is refreshing, but slightly odd given that on Boxing Day he had to be separated from Callum McManaman after he angrily accused the West Brom midfielder of diving.
"I had a bit of a fight with McManaman last week because he dived, but I did dive and if it is a dive, it is a yellow card," the Swansea defender said.
"He [Darmian] did touch me, but I thought it was not a penalty."
Rangel knew he had made a mistake straight away as he did not remonstrate with Moss. In fact, he praised the referee for his decision at the time.
Rangel added: "I said [to the referee]: 'Well done.'
"It wasn't enough contact for me to go down but I was losing my balance, and I thought 'it is not like really cheating but I was falling already so I just tried to claim it'. It was a gamble."
