The FA state that referees should issue a yellow card to those who dive. However, I do not believe that this goes far enough. If the FA are serious about stamping out diving then a yellow card obviously does not deter the players from doing it as it has been ever-present throughout this year's campaign. In rugby, players can be 'cited' through a commission to deem whether the punishment (or lack of...) that the referee has given has gone far enough.
"It shows the world of football in a negative light"
This act has seen games been ruined in the past. Earlier in the season, Chelsea's Ramires appeared to dive for a penalty, going down from little or no contact from Stephen Reid against West Brom. As well as giving the player a bad reputation, it shows the world of football in a negative light and often leads to the common stereotypes such as "they're all fairies." Last season, Gareth Bale developed a bit of a reputation for diving, especially last season, when he was the only player to pick up two cautions for the act. Statistically, Liverpool were the worst offenders for diving, collecting four yellows (both statistics courtesy of The Telegraph). But of course, these are only statistics on players caught.
Ashley Young drew a 'stern word' with Sir Alex Ferguson last season after his reoffending and horrendous lunge to the ground against Aston Villa. At the start of the season it was evident that things didn't changed after recieved another 'wee chat' with David Moyes in September after a controversial sending off of Kagisho Dikagchoi. Many decisions are open to interpretation, so I'll leave you to decide whether the penalty against Real Sociedad was deserved or not. While his recent performances have been better, it will something special to erase the name of 'diver' or stop the petty diving jokes for Young.
"The simulation may ingrain itself in the grassroots of football and will indoctrinate the future players of the game."
Ashley Young is not the only culprit this season. Adan Januzaj, Ramires and Santi Cazorla have all been caught, or given controversial decision. On a wider scale, Sergio Busquets is renowned for hitting the deck like he has been shot, along with teammate Neymar, who went over exuberantly against Celtic in the Champions League this year. With all these players being viewed on live television going over softly or else exaggerating the challenge, it will also have an impact on the viewers. The simulation may ingrain itself in the grassroots of football and will indoctrinate the future players of the game.
"Deterrence is the best form of punishment."
I am a strong believer that deterrence is the best form of punishment. Harsher punishments will see less and less players do it, leading to less games ruined by apocryphal decisions. Although used in rugby, a citing commission would prove useful as players could be reprimanded after the game even if the referee doesn't see through the acting.
Personally, I feel that a panel consisting of 7 or 8 neutral officials is set up to debate situations like this after the game. Working on a majoritarian system, the number of votes that excedes the half way mark, dictates the number of matches the player in question is banned.
In short, I say save it for the Olympics.
In short, I say save it for the Olympics.
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