Erik Pieters plays down diving claims

Stoke City defender Erik Pieters has denied claims that he dived to get Fulham's Pajtim Kasami sent off during last weekend's Premier League clash between the sides.

Pieters was accused of going to ground too easily when he was caught in the face by Kasami's hand during the 1-0 victory for Fulham at Craven Cottage.

However, the Dutchman insists that the offence was worthy of a sending-off.

"It was a red card because he hit me in the face," he told the Stoke Sentinel. "There was contact, no question for me, and I am not going down on the ground for nothing."

Stoke are currently in 16th place in the Premier League table.