In a recent article on www.foxsports.com.au discussing the widespread issue of diving or simulation in Australia’s National soccer league, the Hyundai A-league, some issues came to light regarding the fact that in the fight for legitimacy of football (soccer) in the eyes of the Australian public, diving has to be stamped out even if it means post match reviews and penalties.
Anyone who watched Australia’s efforts at the last world cup remembers the controversial penalty issued against Australia to Italy in the dying moments of the crucial game. The end result of that was Australia being kicked out of the cup after Italy won 1-0 and went on to claim the world cup title that year. Diving in soccer has always been a contentious issue, as often the referee cannot see the exact goings on, on the field, compared to television viewers who get numerous playbacks from pretty much every angle possible.
The A-league’s top referee Mark Shields, who has refereed at two world cups retired last week and voiced his own opinion on the matter. He said that if Football (soccer) in Australia was ever to gain the credibility that it deserved, simulation would have to be dealt with. In comparison to other prominent Australian sports that are perceived to be rough and tumble with big bulky men of men, football players cannot be seen falling over at the slightest touch and appealing for penalties.
The Football Federation of Australia has already showed an incline to include powers of review in cases of other actions, so why not simulation?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment