Robben defends his comments over diving
Arjen Robben has defended his candid comments regarding allegations of diving in Netherlands' dramatic 2-1 win over Mexico on Sunday.
The Bayern Munich man saw two shouts for penalties waved away during the last 16 clash in Fortaleza, before finally winning a spot-kick at the third attempt, drawing contact from Mexico captain Rafael Marquez.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar converted the stoppage-time penalty to send Netherlands through, and Robben subsequently apologised for going to ground too easily earlier in the contest.
A FIFA statement on Monday confirmed that Robben would face no action for any alleged dives, and the forward expressed disappointment about the reaction to his remarks.
"It's a shame," he said in a press conference. "I was honest in the interview after the game, and sometimes you are punished for being honest.
"I said there was one foul where I went to the ground after he took his leg away. It was a stupid act from me and had nothing to do with the penalty.
"The penalty was a clear foul and I think this is a shame because we put in a great performance and that is the main thing.
"I like to be honest and I apologise for this action in the first half and this had no affect on the game.
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"I will continue to be honest, it was one stupid action, but it had no affect on the game.
"I'm an honest guy, it didn't have any influence on the game."
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