09 Jan 2026 11:53:37
I've watched football for many years now, mainly at the WFCG or away games across the country and Europe. Back in the day standing on the East Stand, because the Trent End was given to away fans. Back then, there wasn't a lot of play acting, they got stuck in good and proper. The football was a joy to watch, and the ref's got respect. These days it's totally different, lack of respect for officials. Lots of play acting and playing the rules. Watch teams like Everton, Liverpool, Spurs or Fulham - the ball gets played into the box and at least one defender will throw themselves to the ground holding their heads! Game has to be stopped! Play acting, players going down feigning injury, then you see them look up to see if they have free kick, then they jump up and play on! They should bring in Football Oscars, hand one out each month for the best play actors! I blame the introduction of foreign coaches and players, they've spoilt the game we all love.
Another thing, what is this playing out from the back? The number of times goal keepers get caught out doing it, or defenders playing a poor pass!
Rant over!
09 Jan 2026 13:41:02
Totally agree on your rant about players throwing themselves on the floor looking for a foul, then jumping up when play moves on, seeing as the linesman have very little to do, why can't they watch for this and flag the ref, so at least a booking is given!,
A coach being inventive I have no problem with, Sunderland moved there advertising hoardings closer to the pitch to counter act Arsenal's long throws into the box, ones a coach gaining an advantage within the rules, the other is cheating plain and simple.
09 Jan 2026 17:50:09
I loved what Sunderland did, no problem with that at all. I told my wife that Grealish would get sent off, after he was booked lol and he duly obliged lol.
09 Jan 2026 18:11:50
Most the blame lies with coaches teaching players how to cheat
The worst one for me is when defenders go down in the box feigning head injuries when under pressure and then the pressure is off.
09 Jan 2026 18:35:57
The have citing in rugby. If a serious offence occurs and the officials miss it during the game, you can be punished after the game. If we did that in football for serious fouls and diving, it would be a game changer.
For me, trying to con the ref is serious. It is straight up cheating. It attempts to get a penalty or a player sent off and decides matches. It is the ultimate insult to the laws of the game and anyone watching it. They should get a 5 game ban if cited for attempting to pervert the course of a game, trying to get a fellow professional sent off or any other simulation.
Why have all this tech and let players cheat. Everybody knows they are cheating. Punish them.
Rather than referees doing the citing, a panel of ex players appointed by the PFA (players Union) should be able to review any incident and retrospectively find a player guilty. It isn't difficult to organise.
09 Jan 2026 19:10:19
The worst one ever was Maradona hand of God, cheating doesn't get any worse and that was decades ago.
09 Jan 2026 19:42:07
DTP, I've always maintained on here that Shilts got off very lightly you ask me?
Brilliant for us. however.
6ft arms stretched and jumped?
And Maradona still manages to palm it in with his arm partially bent mate?
10 Jan 2026 11:14:35
Good post Cyclist I’ve been saying that for years. Firmer reffing, straight reds for diving in the penalty area, immediate yellow for dissent etc. These Premier League players and managers would soon get the message.