Meyler is no actor - O'Neill

Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill has launched a stout defence of midfielder David Meyler after he was accused of play-acting to get Robert Huth sent off.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis hit out at the Irishman in the wake of his side's 1-0 Barclays Premier League defeat by the Black Cats on Saturday, after Germany international Huth was dismissed by referee Martin Atkinson for a tackle which sent Meyler hurtling to the ground. The Potters have appealed against the red card.

O'Neill said: "First of all, I understand what Tony was saying from a general viewpoint because players do have a responsibility to try to keep fellow players on the field of play. I hadn't had a chance to see the incident until Sunday. I saw it and I still have exactly the same opinion, it's a reckless challenge."

Copyright (c) PA Sport 2012, All Rights Reserved.