Former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher has defended Mark Noble after the West Ham United midfielder was booked for simulation against Liverpool.

During the first half of the Hammers' 4-1 defeat to Liverpool, Noble was adjudged to have dived in order to try to win a free kick for his side, but replays suggested that contact had been made with the 30-year-old.

Noble is one of a number of players to be cautioned for the offence in recent weeks, but Gallagher has hinted that more consideration should be given by referees before brandishing a yellow card.

Gallagher told Sky Sports News: "I felt for Mark Noble. The last couple of weeks, we have seen players yellow carded for simulation and while we don't want to see it, when there is as much physical contact as that, it is very difficult to say that he has dived.

"He gets his leg taken away. I just think it is maybe something that we have got a little bit too strong on."

The defeat for West Ham has led to manager Slaven Bilic being removed from his position at the London Stadium.