FOOTBALL’S authorities believe that it is up to players to eradicate diving from the national game and, by way of a helpful reminder, The Times has distributed posters throughout the Barclays Premiership. “Say no to diving” is the message that will find its way on to dressing-room walls.
All but a few clubs were happy to accept the posters, although they were reluctant to advertise the fact with photographs. “We don’t want to tempt fate,” one executive said — proof enough that no manager can be certain that a diver does not lurk within his squad.
The Times campaign began in the wake of Arjen Robben’s highly publicised theatrics against Liverpool last Sunday and has been backed by the Football Association and the FA Premier League. “Diving is something no one wants to see in the game,” an FA spokesman said. “Referees have been instructed to look out for it and can issue a yellow card for diving as unsporting behaviour.
“However, it’s a difficult call if players are trying to deceive them. Everyone has to take responsibility in this area and perhaps the strongest pressure comes from among the players themselves.”
A Premier League spokesman said that “the vast majority of Premier League footballers are good, honest pros, but clearly we will continue to work with the FA, PFA and LMA to try and eradicate any element of this unsavoury practice from English football”.
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Ultimately, managers can have the biggest influence, although players can be deaf even to their advice. At PSV Eindhoven, Guus Hiddink was forthright in criticising Robben for diving but, evidently, the winger did not learn his lesson. Perhaps the poster will work.