'Salah risks losing title if he continues diving antics'

Sutton won the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers in the 1995 season, which proved to be a close two horse race, as his side pipped Manchester United to the crown by a single point. After the recent controversy surrounding current Liverpool talisman Mohammed Salah, Sutton has drawn on his own experience of a tight title race, to call on the Egyptian to cut out his theatrics before it ends up costing Jurgen Klopp's side dearly.

In his column for 'The Daily Mail', Sutton argued that Liverpool could ill afford to lose Salah for two games, the suspension period for a simulation related ban, as rivals Manchester City will take full advantage of the error. Sutton wrote: 'His tumble against Crystal Palace was the second time in the last month that Salah has gone down too easily. He won a penalty against Newcastle on Boxing Day after going to ground theatrically following the slightest of touches from Paul Dummett.'

Sutton continued:  'If he keeps diving, he risks being hit with a two-game FA ban. Liverpool only need to slip up twice to put Manchester City back in the title driving seat. Without Salah's firepower, would Liverpool have won the topsy-turvy game against Palace? This match proved that Klopp needs his main man available for every game.'

The former Blackburn striker concluded by urging Salah to continue making a positive difference to his side, writing: 'I love the way he is capable of blowing away teams at will. It would be a travesty if it is simulation, not his goalscoring, which ends up settling the most thrilling title race for years.'

Salah has been widely criticised for his conduct in recent weeks, with a string of team mates, including Scotland captain Andy Robertson feeling the need to defend the Egyptian in the media.