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Cheating in Football


Professor
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The Saints v Nottingham Forest game contained an example of the cheating that goes on in football when players throw themselves to the ground for free kicks and especially penalties. It is a constant source of amazement that referees allow themselves to be taken in so easily, which undoubtedly encourages even more cheating. As for the punishments, often there is none, just the false claim for a free kick or penalty dismissed. Only occasionally is a player given a yellow card for simulation and very rarely are they sent off.

 

In other sports, cheating is unacceptable and is met with severe penalties. Athletes who cheat can be banned for years, or even a life-time Olympics’ ban. In many sports a win achieved by cheating is cancelled. But in football, the authorities' response to cheating seems to be weak and ineffectual so that diving and feigning injury has become widespread ever since Rodney Marsh got a reputation for it some 40 or so years ago. The practice is not only condoned by managers who deny the fact of blatant dives and is even encouraged by media reporters who praise players for “winning” a free kick or penalty.

 

Anyone who truly loves this game should want to see cheating eradicated. If not, football might as well send players onto the pitch for a free-for-all and not bother with any rules.

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