AT LEAST THEY AGREE ON SOMETHING

Last updated : 21 September 2003 By Editor

SAF: "We speak to our players about it. We had an issue with one player for a while. He was diving and we had to stop it.

"I think it's up to the manager to point out to the player if he feels he is overdoing it, but the best method is the powers that be.
"In general terms, I think it's an issue. But what manager is going to drop his player or fine him for it? How do you prove it?

"It's different when you see a guy elbowing someone in the face, the evidence is really clear, or a reckless tackle, but when they're diving there's little you can do.

"How can you say to a player 'you did that on purpose'? I think that's very difficult to analyse."

Wenger: "Of course, you don't want your players to dive.

"But when your player tells you he didn't dive, you can't tell him not to dive and I saw much bigger dives in other games last weekend. (Ed. Were Liverpool at home last week?)

"I have always influenced my players not to cheat, dive or kick anybody. I hate that. I think you have to respect the spirit of the game and not cheat in any way."