A-League to out the diving cheats

[devilsadvocate]

http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/football/a-league/aleague-ban-150-cheats146-prospects-take-a-dive/2009/07/29/1248546773805.html

FOOTBALL Federation Australia has launched a full assault on divers, with cheats to be banned retrospectively on video evidence under changes to the A-League’s disciplinary codes to be introduced this season.

The FFA will today unveil the tough new measures which will name and shame players who dive. A clause to be added to the regulations will compel the weekly match review panel to search for instances of simulation missed by the referee, and to ban the culprits for two weeks if they dive to win a penalty, to get an opponent sent off, or both. If a player is sent off as a result of an opponent’s simulation, he will be able to have his red card rescinded.

The A-League becomes only the second competition in the world after the Scottish Premier League to introduce the sanctions, and A-League boss Archie Fraser is confident the cheats will soon get the message once the new season kicks off next week.

‘‘The level of simulation last season was clearly unacceptable, and it’s something we needed to address,’’ Fraser said.

‘‘Nobody wants to put up with it, not ourselves, and certainly not the fans. Australians want their football tough, but most of all they want it fair.’’

Asked whether he was confident the threat of being banned would change player behaviour, Fraser replied: ‘‘I think the chance of being banned for two games is a pretty strong message. If you’re prepared to take the risk, you’re probably going to miss a decent chunk of the season.’’

Former Sydney FC coach John Kosmina isn’t quite as convinced, but applauds the FFA initiative.

‘‘I think this will influence player behaviour, but I’m not so sure it will change it,’’ Kosmina said. ‘‘The fact is simulation has been around for ages, players have been milking penalties forever, and some of them have turned it into an art form. But obviously it’s something nobody wants in the game, so of this makes the players think twice, then I’m all for it. Good on the FFA for having a go.’’

Kosmina, however, is more curious about how much the changes will influence referees.

‘‘Are the referees going to be reluctant to give penalties because they don’t want to be sucked in by the divers?’’ he said.

‘‘To the trained eye, simulation is obvious, so if they miss it, and the player gets banned because of the video footage, are they going to be embarrassed by that? It’s going to be interesting to see how they [referees] react.’’

Fraser sees it differently, saying: ‘‘Rather than putting any pressure on the referees, I think this gives them more support. It’s an added tool, if you like. A referee is going to know that if he does get tricked the player won’t be getting off scot-free.’’

The other significant change to the disciplinary code is a reaction to last season’s controversial sanction of Newcastle Jets defender Adam D’Apuzzo, who was banned for one match on video evidence after it was alleged he had handled the ball in the penalty box against Melbourne Victory, supposedly denying the opposition a ‘‘clear goal-scoring opportunity’’.

The ban caused an uproar, not least because many believed it was taking the letter of the law too far and undermining the authority of the referee, and clearly the FFA now shares the same opinion. The match review panel will no longer be allowed to rule on such incidents, with Fraser adding: ‘‘It’s about common sense.’’

Meanwhile, Sydney FC defender Sebastian Ryall is sweating on the outcome of his appeal against being banned from playing while he fights court charges of committing a sexual act with a minor. Ryall’s appeal against being suspended by the FFA until September 3 was finally heard on Tuesday night, with the tribunal reserving its decision.

While Ryall, who was recruited by the Sky Blues from Melbourne Victory earlier this year, has been able to train with his new club, he has been unable to play matches and has lost his place in the Young Socceroos squad.

Ryall’s appeal was organised by the players’ union, the PFA, and he was supported during the hearing by Sky Blues teammates Simon Colosimo and Steve Corica.


Brilliant move IMO. Pity the Italians will never follow suit.

[johntheclaret]

or the EPL.

Agree, great move. All leagues should adopt this stance.

Looking at it perversely, I guess players getting away with cheating and diving etc, fires up the crowd and adds to the atmosphere, even if it stits you to buggery.

Personally, I would vote for the "cheats out" option.

[Bully]

so that/this means Muscat will never play again??

[whufc]

so that/this means Muscat will never play again??

Muscat doesn't dive, he just double foots people from behind.