Ross Barkley disappointed by simulation booking

Everton midfielder Ross Barkley has admitted that he was extremely disappointed to be booked for simulation in his side's defeat to Manchester City.

The 21-year-old was criticised for falling to the ground easily against West Ham United last month in a tussle with Kevin Nolan.

Barkley was the subject of debate again when he was wrongly given a yellow card for simulation against City after being tackled by Frank Lampard at the Etihad Stadium.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "All the talk about what happened against West Ham, which I didn't even intend on doing, is having an effect. I was expecting contact. You could see that from my reaction in that game – I got straight back up and tried to get on the ball but the ref gave the free kick.

"I like driving forward with the ball so every now and then I expect a bit of contact because I'm committing players. Against City I was expecting the contact from Frank Lampard and there was contact. I thought it was a free kick to us. I was disappointed the referee gave that as a foul and I got a yellow card."

Barkley has made 10 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees this season.