Red cards: How to stop diving in football today
The case for red cards as well as lengthy bans for diving in the Premier League is gaining momentum. It is imperative for a law change to reduce or eliminate cheating and simulation
An abundance of cautions for diving has engulfed our league once again. Players in the Premier League are attempting to deceive Referees. It must be stopped! Fines, bans along with dismissals have all been mentioned by the FA and League Officials. Surely being sent off would discourage deceiving.
Yet in stands and pubs around the country there is an argument of, “by the end of the season it all evens out – swings and roundabouts”. Yet let’s be honest: it’s cheating, and sadly, it happens at all our of our clubs. Unsportsmanlike conduct is occurring from English players too, not just players from overseas.
Bad examples
In recent times there has been at least two obvious examples. Firstly, perennial-culprit ‘AWOL’ Leicester and Algeria winger Riyad Mahrez. His latest embarrassing example was at Stamford Bridge. Oddly, Mahrez could have taken a close shot on goal from a dangerous position.
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Spurs player Dele Alli has committed the offence most recently at Anfield. He received a booking, allowing him to help his team gain a point. If he was dismissed, he would not have still influenced the game.
Although, the real insult came when Alli seemed to congratulate the Referee. After he was caught diving, the forward nonchalantly nodded knowingly at John Moss accepting the Official caught him out…this time. He now faces accusations or not being given fouls in a ‘cry wolf‘ scenario. Tottenham missed out on a penalty against Manchester United possibly due to his actions.
Vindication
Alli is only 21-years-old. The England international and has all the talent in the world and could still change his ways. However he could and should now face a ban to enforce law while making examples of repeat offenders. Retrospective-ban rules state:
"“Players who dive or feign injury could face a two-match suspension starting from this season.”"
There is of course a problem with this judgement. If a player is yellow-carded for diving he cannot be banned after the incident. Naturally this irony is a conflict within the law of the game and should be amended. Perhaps that is the reason Alli patted the Ref’ on the back.
We should not accept these occurrences as ‘part and parcel of the game’. Skill, prowess, decision-making, bravery and technique are the cornerstones of the beautiful game. Young professionals begin their careers and look up to elder players at their respective clubs. In training they would not do it, so why in a competitive fixture? Youth players or children in general mimic this behaviour.
Experienced footballers can eradicate this conduct. Then their heirs and proteges will follow suit. Where do you stand on disciplinary for cheating: bans and/or fines?