Jack Grealish critics blasted by Aston Villa chief Dean Smith after England ace was accused of diving against West Ham

DEAN SMITH blasted those who call Jack Grealish a diver — saying: Focus on his talent instead.

The Aston Villa captain was called a ‘cheat’ by a member of the West Ham staff during the 2-1 loss on Monday.

Rex Features

Dean Smith defended Jack Grealish after he was criticised for going down too easily against West Ham[/caption]

England’s new star Grealish has been fouled 40 times this season — the highest in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old has played 810 minutes — being the subject of a foul every 20 minutes.

And last season, the Villa ace topped the charts with a whopping 167 fouls against him in 36 league games.

Some on social media have highlighted the exaggerated way he goes down.

But Smith reckons he is being unfairly treated.

The Villa boss said: “If referees are giving fouls, the reputation is unfair.

“Does he go down easily? You tell me some of the top forwards who don’t go down easy.

“He was again fouled a number of times against West Ham.”

Sky Sports

Grealish was blasted by opposition staff, players and fans for his fall on Monday[/caption]

AP:Associated Press

Ollie Watkins missed his fourth penalty in six attempts in the defeat in East London[/caption]

Villa’s £33million striker Ollie Watkins saw his penalty crash against the crossbar — the fourth time the former Brentford star has failed to score in six attempts.

Asked if he would consider changing his spot-kick taker, Smith said: “We will have a chat about it.”

PA:Press Association

The Villa boss said there will be a conversation about who takes the next spot kick[/caption]