Soccer has become so synonymous with diving that the latter has become a part of its culture. Diving is a travesty to the otherwise “Beautiful Game”. It is a serious issue that afflicts every league, by players from every nationality, even though some particular boot-shaped countries seem to get most attention undeservedly. We see in every game players running with the ball and when they enter into a defensive trap their instinct takes over, they dive to get a free kick as it is seems the best option to keep possession. Not only does the player take a dive to posture that he was tripped, but he finds it necessary to roll around on the ground holding his knee as if he is seriously injured, or possibly shot. Eventually his rolling around will prompt the referee to ask for a trainer to come onto the field and spray some water on that knee and the player is now instantly back to 100% form.
The situation is getting worse. Not only do I notice more diving, but the rolling around on the ground has reached an all-time high. Players have been diving with increased regularity in the box, screaming for a penalty, which has been granted more frequently also. This has even resulted in game-winning goals.
But nothing compares to the tragedy that struck Serie B with the death of Piermario Morosini. I believe the young Italian died as a result of diving. Let me explain. Morosini collapsed on the field and lay motionless. There was far too much time that passed before the referee blew the whistle to stop the play and allow trainers and medical staff onto the pitch. Why? Well, because he genuinely felt Morosini was not injured and quite possibly faking for the purpose of a free kick because it happens so often. My apologies if this offends anyone, but I just wonder if he was attended to much quicker, which I think would have happened in almost any other major sport, this young man might still be with us. This isn’t an indictment of Morosini, and it isn’t an indictment of the referee, its an indictment of the entire culture of the sport. Soccer players have become “the boys who cried wolf”.
Basically not only does diving lead to unfair match results, but it causes less medical attention to players and this needs to change – NOW! How do we stop it? I believe suspending players is the only way to eliminate diving. If leagues would review the penalty calls and find that a player has not been touched by an opponent, but decided to dive for a penalty call, this player should be suspended, and not just for a little while for repeat offenders.
Lets face it, the sport is very fast and it is hard for a referee to catch every dive during the course of a game. And diving does work, it helps your team win as you can be awarded free kicks and penalties, so its understandable why every player is willing to try it right now. The leagues must produce a harsh punishment for diving, and one that can be administered based on replays viewed after the games are over, or it will continue to plague the beautiful game.
…and that is the last word.
