Scuba Suarez Takes Diving To New Depths

In a week where the finest cyclist to ever grasp the handlebars of the Tour De France, was unequivocally accused of leading “the most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme that sport has ever seen”, a forum of debate within the realms of football has emerged which runs parallel in its premise, cheating.

Simulation, diving, cheating it’s all the same, isn’t it? This week Michael Owen became the latest high profile name to discuss the hot topic. His admittance of “going down” after being fouled, when he could have stayed on his feet struck a chord with the wider football sphere. His comments, which pointed to the influx of foreign players being the catalyst for the “diving culture” sparked a period of self reflection for the footballing family.

Owen’s comments came during a week where Tom Daley would have settled for Bronze. Gareth Bale was struck down by a sniper during Spur’s Premier League tie with Aston Villa, sure-fire silver. Whilst Luis Suarez boasts the shameful position at the top of the podium, for his delayed belly flop against Stoke City. Football diving - the event which nobody should want to win, yet the candidates are numerous.

Suarez collapses under the challenge of . . .erm. . yeah.

The taboo subject of cheating, because let’s not forget, that is what it is, is turning the game we all know and love into a sporting circus. A challenge in which a player is seen to have used “excessive force” is met with a caution or straight dismissal. So I pose the question, what is the polar opposite to this offence? Inexcessive force. Owens tweet read “Very few tackles are delivered with the force required to knock somebody off their feet”. So why is this not a caution? Instead it is glossed over with the celebratory name of “winning a penalty”, “inviting the challenge”. It’s killing the game.

Many strikers feel it is an art form for an attacking player to entice a defender to make a challenge. This certainly doesn’t sit well with me, yet I accept penalties awarded up and down the country are a direct result of a forward, nudging the ball forward, and waiting for contact from either a defender or goalkeeper before going to ground for the inevitable to be awarded. The opposing player has made no contact with the ball so surely there is a case for a penalty to be awarded.

But this then draws attention to a sub plot. Outright simulation and going down too easily are two completely separate cases and should be met with respective consequences. Whilst the offence of diving, not having received any contact but the attempt to trick the referee should be met with severe sanctions, the latter should be discouraged but not punished. There is a fundamental difference after all.

Tony Pulis is one of a handful of managers to speak out. "I am concerned about the simulation and putting pressure on the ref," he said. "It's a tough enough job as it is. For professional footballers to be doing that is just not right. Give him three games and he will stop falling over."

David Moyes echoes the sentiments of his fellow Premier League counterpart; "I've said to my players that I don't want them diving. Of course people will go down but I don't like it. I will say it to them if I think they are going down outrageously or cheaply."

Even, FIFA, the laughing stock of world football and non decision makers over numerous key issues have representatives with similar beliefs. Vice President Jim Boyce claims “It's becoming a cancer within the game. If it is clear its simulation, they should be severely punished”

 

 

So where lies the solution? Punishment in the forms of bans, rather than fines will deter players. After all, a player on the wage of Luis Suarez proportions will not be fazed by a measly £20,000 fine. Take away, the privilege of partaking in the beautiful game and a sea of change will sweep over the Premier League and will resonate with all factors of the game, fans, officials, managers and players.

We’ve seen, extra officials behind the goal, yet the influence remains invisible. Having the boldness and responsibility to draw the referee’s attention to an issue inside the box is something which many 5^th and 6^th officials have shirked, avoided and evaded. Why take a chance in calling an incident when getting it wrong would mean a downgrading in the games they are officiating and the backlash of Sir Alex and the likes.

Video evidence, ahh that old chestnut. Well if goal line technology takes “too long” to decide upon and slows the pattern of the game, then these more qualitative and subjective decisions are out of the question. Retrospective punishment however, should be used with the assistance of video evidence, rather than live reviews of such incidents.

But as you are reading this, probably thinking, no, knowing that any change is not forthcoming isn’t it time we all accepted it as part of the modern game and embrace the divers as artists of deception?

Somehow, the moral guardianship of the game I love and have loved for so long just won’t let me.

 

Dale Moon