LONDON, Jan 17 (AFP) - Dutch international winger Arjen Robben and his Chelsea team-mates have been branded a bunch of "divers" by Tottenham's Noe Pamarot.
Monday's accusation came after the Premiership leaders controversial 2-0 away win at White Hart Lane in Saturday's London derby where Spurs fans were angered by several incidents involving Robben and midfielder Alexei Smertin.
Robben went to ground repeatedly under challenges from Spurs defender Pamarot, while the Russia midfielder won a questionable first-half penalty after a challenge by centre-back Ledley King.
Frank Lampard scored from the spot before adding the second in the closing stages as Chelsea extended their lead to 10 points.
"There were many Chelsea players diving during the game," a furious Pamarot told the London Evening Standard.
"I don't think anyone thought it was a penalty - except for the referee. But it was not just the penalty, Robben was doing it as well and I don't think it's fair.
"He is a great player, but he was diving all the time, so you can understand the fans being angry about it," added the Frenchman.
Pamarot was especially incensed by a first-half penalty claim before the Smertin incident when he clashed with Robben.
Robben fell inside the area under pressure from Pamarot, but referee Graham Poll turned down the appeal.
The "diving" jibe is the latest gamesmanship issue to dog the Premiership leaders.
Last week, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was involved in a war of words with Sir Alex Ferguson over suggestions Manchester United players were trying to "cheat" during their goalless League Cup semi-final first leg tie.
Chelsea's assistant coach Steve Clarke, however, insisted Robben did not dive and the first incident was also worthy of a spot-kick.
"I thought that was a penalty, the one before was a penalty, plus there was another one we should have had in the second half," he said.
01/17/2005 17:01 GMT - AFP