A GREMLIN WILL continue to rear its ugly head until those afflicted address the issue.
While 2014 can be reflected on as a year in which football finally took a step in the right direction with the introduction of goal-line technology in many of Europe’s top leagues as well as the vanishing spray, there are still underlying defects that continue to undermine the game.
Football is by no means the only sport to be beset by underlying diseases. Doping continues to impair cycling and athletics while match-fixing in cricket remains rife but the powers of world football remain unconscious of simulation.
With each passing week, there are untold examples of players attempting to deceive the officials. A couple of weeks ago, the issue of diving came to the forefront of conversation once again.
Willian and Diego Costa were both booked for simulation during Chelsea’s game with Hull. Gary Cahill, who was already on a booking, was also accused of diving in the same match but escaped punishment. On the same day, Adam Johnson was accused of going to ground too easily by West Ham manager Sam Allardyce. Those were the major incidents from just two games. There are countless incidents that go unnoticed.
The same happens each and every week, in each and every league around the world.
It’s got to a point when diving is so inevitable that it’s hardly a shock any more when a player fools the referee into awarding a penalty or a foul. Then, there is play-acting.
What can be done, though?
Retrospective action is the obvious solution. In 2009, Arsenal striker Eduardo was banned for two Champions League games by Uefa for being found guilty of simulation against Celtic.
His deception of the referee didn’t have a bearing on the overall result (Arsenal won 5-1 on aggregate) but that is not the point. He had cheated himself, his team mates, the club who he represents, the opposition, the fans that pay good money for tickets and ultimately, football.
But, he won the penalty, scored it and helped his side win the match.
Then, there is the problem of determining whether or not the player dived. If I was to show a video of an incident deemed as simulation to five readers, there will, invariably, be differing opinions.
Much like the goal-line technology issue and the governing body’s reluctance to bring it into effect, there is still uncertainty about what measures will work to stamp out diving but we’ve reached a stage where something needs to be done. Anything.
Football would be a much better spectacle for it.
I like and fully support this idea.
Good idea. It’s nice to see that level of analysis around set piece technique that isn’t easy to pick up on from the stands of on tv. Maybe get the lads some stools for the next installment.
Top notch as usual Murray. Keep it up.
Good start – keep it up
Hopefully this continues after the 6 Nations and becomes a regular thing into the end of the Pro12. Murray Kinsella to become the “Ariel Helwani” of Irish Rugby – would love to see him interview rugby players on YouTube videos..
Liam I couldn’t think of a worse comparison – Ariel Helwani is a fan boy and doesn’t have a rashers about what’s going on in the cage – he’s the Craig Doyle of MMA!
Haha when I posted it that crossed my mind – kind of sounded like an insult to Murray. But I meant more in the sense of long podcast style interviews rather than the short soundbite interviews we only hear with players..
It is really hard to take a man seriously as a pundit when he says things like this: “If you are a supporter, that is a line you do not cross – no matter what sport, not even the lowest of the low. The only thing that is lower is racism or sexual harassment. That is pathetic.” This was in relation to the jeering of Keatley. Pathetic indeed
Murrays view on that matter is completely understandable – given he is an ex-player himself, I wouldn’t expect him to take any other position. But I think you need to separate his views on spectators voicing their frustrations from pitch side, from actual punditry. Murray has an ability to convey to the non-playing masses as to what’s actually happening on the pitch from a technical perspective. Rugby journalism has been vastly lacking on this type of in-depth analysis, for years we’ve been peddled Thornley-esque pieces based on sentiment with no substance. More from Murray please, he can help close the gap in understanding of the game between the pros and the public
He’s talking about Trevor Hogan’s comment on Off The Ball, but either way, he’s been red thumbed to the appropriate level.
All the red thumbs are a devastating blow for sure. What was I thinking???
I approve of this development.
I think the format needs some work, or maybe just bedding in.
I like an earlier post about tools.
Also, some video playback on the talking points, but I assume rights are an issue?
Definitely approve.
The world could always use some more high quality rugby podcasts if you guys ever fancy going an extra step.
Great stuff, Murray. Upwards and onwards. Maybe next time we’ll get to see the little figures get moved around the model pitch!!!!
Best of luck fellas..
I approve. More please.
Excellent analysis and lovely relaxed interview style! Will be tuning into 42 for sure. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!!