Tony Pulis has today called for a retrospective three-match ban on any player caught diving.
Personally, I'm all for it. Simulation is a blight on the modern game and the technology is good enough for a panel to review incidents of this nature, particularly in the Premier League where there are a lot of cameras around and angles to see. It would take the pressure off referees to act upon incidents at the time and perhaps also allay fans' expectations of the officials. Managers would quickly tire of seeing such players constantly on the suspended list and I believe the players in question would soon learn to cut it out.
The only caveat I can see is that the panel would need to take a subjective view on diving - for instance, a player who leaps out of the way when he sees a dangerous tackle flying toward him isn't necessarily a diver, nor is a player who simply loses his balance and merely looks around at the referee in hope rather than expectation. Grey areas such as players who "go down easily" would also need to be reviewed carefully.
If this policy was brought in, would it be workable? Or do you completely disagree with it regardless?
Three-game ban for diving?
posted on 27/9/12
What happens if a player is caught diving in the penalty area from a video reply after the game, is then given the 3 game ban. But from the original dive a penalty was awarded scored and the game was won on this incident? The player was lost by the club for three games but 3 vital points had been won anyway.
The team that had been hard done by would have had no benefit what so ever.
posted on 27/9/12
But that's the point Jimi. The players would be less likely to dive and cost a team the points for fear of a ban.
I think it's a great idea and fairly easy to administer for "obvious" dives. Just apply the beyond reasonable doubt rule and we're away.
posted on 27/9/12
It is about time this matter was 'enforced' because I am sick and tired of seeing it. One experimental way they could combat this is by placing something like a tennis baseline judge behind the goal-line either side of the goal as these contentious matters generally take place within the penalty area. These line judges could raise a flag of sorts to indicate whether or not it was a 'dive' or 'no dive'. I don't know, it's worth a go, but these 'judges' might have to be shielded from bombardment for their own good...
...and I don't like Tony Pulis either (or any of you lot).
posted on 27/9/12
I think that referees' assistants should be stood shoulder to shoulder around the whole of the pitch, each equipped with binoculars and two flags, on one of which is written YES and on the other NO. Every decision by the referee would be provisional, and subject to a vote by the massed assistants, whose ruling would be final.
LEAVE THE GAME ALONE, PLEASE
posted on 28/9/12
Don't be so silly Malling that wouldn't work.
They would need a third flag which says "I know the decision but I'm going to bottle it and let the ref decide".
This would apply to most fouls in the area as referrees assistants hardly ever make the decision.
Otherwise your idea is great, we should fast track it through.
posted on 28/9/12
The rules are there they just need enforcing. If a player Dives in the ref's opinion to either get a peno or a player getting a card he is booked. then add three bookings for diving automatic suspension. that can be reviewed and appealed?
posted on 28/9/12
The problem as I see it though Nev, is that it's too hard for a ref to make a call on diving during a game.
If two players are close together, it's very difficult for a ref to know whether there was minimal contact. For example, Suarez looked like a blatant dive against Utd, but replays showed contact.
So, use the cameras after the game. Malling first have to worry about it ruining the game as it's all retrospective, and cheats get banned.
I can't see a downside personally.
posted on 28/9/12
Mersey what i was considering not waiting to after the game the ref makes a decision and awards a card that can be appealed afterwards.....This will deter diving and the divers will know they are under pressure to stop.
posted on 28/9/12
DM is absolutely right with this one. My only criticism is that is doesn't go far enough! Straight red card and a five match ban; ten match ban for repeat offenders. I think managers/coaches will get the message then. Of course referees will get it wrong from time to time, as is evident with other decisions, but they are only human, after all. Commentators should stop referring to the practice as 'simulation'; it is cheating plain and simple.
The other blight on the game is the attitude of referees to pushing, shoving, holding and shirt ripping at set pieces in the penalty area. How on earth they manage to miss all that, or consider it to be within the rules, yet will penalise a forward if he gives the defender so much as a dirty look is entirely beyond me.
The only thing which attackers appear to be able to get away with is the deliberate obstruction of the goalkeeper with the sole aim of preventing him from claiming the ball when it is being delivered into the six yard box. Fair enough if he is also trying to play it, but mostly you see them stood in front of the 'keeper with both arms stretched out behind to ensure the keeper stays on his line. I thought that was called obstruction?
posted on 30/9/12
NO, LET'S NOT LEAVE THE GAME ALONE.
It was evident, last night on Match of the Day, that some 'clever clogs' thought he could get away with a hideous leap near to the referee. He was rightly booked for it and the effect of the caution was just like 'water off a duck's back' to him. No remorse for his actions and it could have cost the opposition dearly.
If only for a short period, the FA should clamp down on this.