RED card for (first time) obvious faking

any problems with that?

[walkman]

When players play rough, push, hold, although it can be overdone, it's still different; soccer is a contact sport and that can--in most cases--be remedied with yellow card, free kick etc.

But when they fall for no reason, or fake an injury to gain an unfair advantage, that is the worst possible thing IMO. There's something Machiavellian about it, it's very sneaky, and I think hurts soccer. A player who does that, does not deserve to play in my opinion. I am sick, as I see soccer degenerating into let's do whatever it takes to win, and soon we will end up with great actors, and cheaters playing, as suppose to plain skilled players.

A red card will send the clear message: any attempt to cheat will backfire, not only the player will be outed as a cheater, but he will also take the heat for causing his team grief. If the red card punishment is harsh, it's very easy, don't fake anything, play nice, and you will not get it. In the end, taking steroids and faking is the same: both are done to gain an unfair advantage, and has to be punished severely so they think twice before they try it.

[trillianjedi]

I thought that was already the case under the rules?

Or is that just in the penalty area?

[miedmark]

Yes, I love those slow motion replays where it clearly shows that there was hardly any contact (or none whatsoever sometimes) and the player puts on a big act how terribly hurt he is. Yes, I think this has been a great act so far this year. Yes, more red cards should be given! otherwise I don't see how this will decrease.

[walkman]

>> I thought that was already the case under the rules? Or is that just in the penalty area?

if it is, they are clearly NOT enforcing it. But, I think a yellow card is the punishment for faking, and even that is not taken that seriously.

For this, I would even make an expection and allow FIFA members to see the tape as the game goes on, and tell the ref to award it, even if he missed the play because of distance. It all could be done within minutes, probably in the next stoppage, and the player would be told why (not that he doesn't know). Or, FIFA could fine and penalize the team and player just as they do if the fight after the game or something. The idea is to do whatever hurts the teams enough so they stop this. Watch the acting stop after the first few teams get those cards,as their top players would most likely be thrown out.

Check out this "Italian training camp before World Cup 2006" video:
[youtube.com...]
They are being trained to fall for no reason, and how to dramatize the injury.

[moTi]

They are being trained to fall for no reason, and how to dramatize the injury.

one more reason why we absolutely have to kick these crybabies out of the tournament tomorrow.
sorry to say this is particularly a mediterranean attitude. it's a real shame.

[trillianjedi]

Check out this "Italian training camp before World Cup 2006" video:

LOL - that is fantastic - brilliantly done :)

[mipapage]

sorry to say this is particularly a mediterranean attitude.

Missed the 2002 final then? Ronaldinho was a diving master, and the Argetinians are just as bad. In fact, I think they invented it...

[jecasc]

Don't now if this free kick wall was the result of a diver but I think the picture is hilarious:

[static.flickr.com...]