"Something needs to be done about it"

Jon Carter of ESPN puts forth this analysis (consequently the same day as I put out this post: Exposing A Diver: Didier Zokora, which was done without the analysis of the article below).

From ESPN Soccernet...

We've known for a long time that footballers are not averse to trying to con the referee. Nothing new there. But it's surely now a case of straws and camels, enough is enough. Something needs to be done about it.

While the most blatant divers in the Premiership are getting somewhat of a reputation, and are under close scrutiny, simulation persists. The problem it seems, is that there is no retrospective punishment available for cheats.

A diver can be punished on-field with the award of a yellow card and rightly so. But if the ruse pays off and the referee is conned into giving the decision, there is nothing that can be done.

...

If the same player is found to be constantly diving, as Didier Drogba was accused last season, then a longer ban, maybe a fine, should be introduced for 'bringing the game into disrepute'.

...

Perhaps a 'three-strikes' policy could be implemented across the board. Found guilty of diving three times and you get a three match ban. Found guilty of violent conduct three times and you're banned for three months. And so on.

I still think this is too lax. The Zokora incident might be the only time he is caught diving when it actually produced a significant outcome this season. I think even doing it once merits a fine/suspension.

And from a semi-amateur editorial, C-Dog avers...

After the recent fining of Joey Barton for public indecency and "bringing the game into disrepute" I am curious as to how you could possibly "disrepute" the game anymore. Obviously looking through Rybacks blog we can see something that I and probably alot of people would agree as disreputing (not sure if this is a word) the game. I am talking about diving, let's figure out the rationale of penalizing these acts.....

Nudity:
- Disrespecting your team
- Has no effect in anyway on the outcome of the game
- Most fan's enjoyed this display
Result
- Fined and reprimanded

Diving:
- Disrespescting the other team
- Has a profound effect on deciding important games
- Most fan's want to kill the guy
Result
- Reprimanded in the press for a little while

Problem....I think so! I can understand why the players dive. They have so many reason's to dive and absolutley no reasons not to. We need to fine and suspend players as equally as we would if someone took drugs so that they will think twice before they dive. Thank you!!!

Whatever