Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has insisted that Luis Suarez does not deserve to be vilified for handling the ball against Mansfield Town.

Suarez scored in controversial circumstances in Liverpool's 2-1 win on Sunday, controlling with his hand before smashing into an empty net.

Wright believes that Suarez is being blamed merely for playing to the whistle and believes that any criticism directed at the Reds striker in this instance is unfair.

He told The Sun: "Suarez is getting loads of stick for his goal against Mansfield in the FA Cup on Sunday but I strongly believe the handball was unintentional.

"He was trying to move his hand away from the ball before it struck and as he scored, you could tell he thought it would be disallowed. I can't believe some people would expect Suarez to try and persuade the officials to rub out the goal.

"Yet, unfortunately, he will now get some rough decisions from referees."

Ex-Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler has also defended Suarez, claiming that the reaction to his Mansfield goal is "laughable" and that the finger should be pointed at the match officials.