Professional Footballers Association chairman Clarke Carlisle is not convinced that Manchester United winger Ashley Young should be deemed a diver but believes that players need to be more "honest".

The 26-year-old has been criticised in recent weeks after going to ground on two separate occasions in the penalty area, despite minimal contact from opposing players.

The England international's actions have sparked a debate over whether playing for a foul should be regarded as cheating.

"I wouldn't say [Young] is or has been prone to falling over," BBC Sport quotes Carlisle as saying. "He is quick and slight so it doesn't take much contact to make him go over.

"The players' responsibilities are to be as honest as they possibly can but they also need protection from the referees to give the free kicks or penalties when infringements occur."

Newcastle United's Ryan Taylor recently claimed on Twitter that Young was the "biggest cheat" in the Premier League, but later deleted his comments.