Chelsea boss Antonio Conte says Pedro dived against Norwich because of fatigue

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte says Pedro dived against Norwich in the FA Cup, but only because of fatigue.

Pedro received a yellow card for going to ground while attempting to round Norwich goalkeeper Angus Gunn in the second half of the third-round replay, which Chelsea won on penalties.

Conte has now owned up on behalf of his player and admitted the Spaniard attempted to dive in the situation.

"For Pedro we must be honest to accept Pedro dived. In this case Pedro understood," Conte said.

"Pedro's reaction was to stand up quickly (not to appeal for a penalty).

"I think the player understood, at that moment, the mistake and he wanted to stand up and admit it was a mistake 'I was a bit tired'," Conte added.

Chelsea have received five domestic yellow cards for diving this season, more than any other top-flight club.

But of the three issued in Wednesday's win over Norwich, Conte felt two were incorrect.

Conte was angered by the decision not to refer a challenge on Willian by Timm Klose early in the first period of extra time to the Video Assistant Referee, describing the decision of match referee Graham Scott as a "big mistake".

Klose later spoke out on the incident and admitted fouling Willian.

The Chelsea head coach was still seething about the decision on Friday, repeating his complaints about VAR when questioned about the diving of his players.