SAVAGERY OR DAYLIGHT ROBBERY?
His ecstatic celebrations after winning a last-gasp penalty at Pride Park angered the Derby faithful and manager alike, but having proclaimed his innocence, Opta delved into their statistical archives to see if the Welshman is indeed 'victimised' for his play.
Jim Smith in convinced that Savage 'enjoys the infamy' of his actions, while just a week ago Ipswich manager George Burley labelled the Fox a 'cheat' for winning Leicester another spot kick and seeing Italian goalkeeper Matteo Sereni sent off at the same time.
The long-haired midfielder was quick to defuse the recent furore, stating: "As far as I'm concerned, I didn't do anything wrong. I didn't dive for the penalty and I have never been booked for diving." Nevertheless, a glance at the history books reveals that Savage is no stranger to such bleak media coverage.
He admitted faking injury in the 1999 Worthington Cup final, which saw Spurs' Justin Edinburgh sent off and two years later Sunderland's John Oster was harshly adjudged to have fouled Savage and duly given his marching orders. Ironically, in the corresponding fixture with the Rams last year Deon Burton was shown the red card for allegedly head-butting the Welshman. Again, Savage was accused of play-acting.
Crucially, last season the Leicester number eight won 69 fouls in the Premiership - more than any of his team-mates - at an average rate of more than two per game.
While it is fair to say that Savage didn't win Leicester any penalties last season, eleven of the fouls against him resulted in yellow cards for the perpetrator - only six other players registered a higher frequency - and this tally alone could raise questions about his sportsmanship.
Savage has responded to his critics by confessing: "I wear my heart on my sleeve when I play. I always have done. A lot of people say there are no characters in the game. I am a little different to many other players but just because I am committed and have long blond hair I don't see why it should be held against me."
But then there is Savage's own disciplinary record to consider also. The Welsh international was booked seven times and committed 45 fouls last term - the second highest tally at the club - implying a physical nature to his game, which in turn can bring retribution. Therefore, it comes as no great surprise that Savage was the eleventh most-fouled player in the Premiership in 2000-01.
In his defence the former Crewe player has won just five fouls during the new campaign, but crucially two have been penalties. With a history of controversial confrontations behind him, questions will always be raised about his conduct and celebrating winning crucial decisions will certainly not help his ailing reputation.
