When players run into the opposition’s penalty box, they seem more intent on falling over and winning a penalty than putting the ball in the back of the net. Worse, they’re diving so very badly. To address the problem, Brian Baxter, second-team coach at Queen’s Park Rangers, has engaged an acting coach to work with his players.
“Second-rate simulation is an affront to everyone in the game. Players try to find a stray leg to trip over, before flinging themselves to the ground and rolling around theatrically. It’s like Bambi on ice, and referees aren’t fooled. OK, it’s the pantomime season, but you know the players are over-acting when even their own fans burst out laughing. With a little coaching, we hope that players will be able to dive convincingly enough to make the ref point at the penalty spot.”
When asked by a journalist whether it might be better if players just stopped diving altogether, Baxter said: “Stop diving? That’s crazy talk”...