Jeronimo Neumann ... 'I felt the player grab my t-shirt and I went down.' Source: News Limited
Jeronimo Neumann was almost reduced to tears when a media posse questioned whether the Adelaide United forward was a diver.
The Argentine came under fire from Wellington Phoenix skipper Andrew Durante and coach Rickie Herbert after the striker went to ground when Ben Sigmund fouled him during Adelaide's 3-1 win at Hindmarsh Stadium.
The Match Review Panel addressed the red card issue after Sigmund was sent off for fouling Neumann before he went to ground.
The decision caused a furore when the Neumann tumble wasn't investigated because the MRP deemed that referee Jarred Gillett's decision was correct in expelling Sigmund.
''No, no (I didn't dive),'' said Neumann.
''I felt the player grab my t-shirt and I went down.
''He clipped me on my ankle and I felt like it was part of the game.
''He was the last man, so that's a far call (to send Sigmund off).''
Teammate Cassio called for an end to the controversy.
"I can't see anything wrong,'' he said.
"He (Sigmund) touched him - he tripped him on his ankle.
"So what is the point? Let's move on.
"The referee can make mistakes as players can make mistakes.
"But in my opinion, the referee (on Saturday) was okay.
"Maybe he (Neumann) delay a bit when he went down, but who cares? He (Sigmund) touched him.''
Wellington Phoenix general manager David Dome says the club "respectfully accepted'' the decision.
Dome says the correct process was followed.
"So far as the club is concerned, the matter has been laid to rest,'' he said.
"The club is now focused on the Phoenix's next match against Melbourne Victory on Monday.''
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