Aug 4, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Chelsea head coach Jose Mourinho looks on before the first half against AC Milan at Metlife Stadium. Chelsea won the game 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Chelsea manager Jose Mourninho has suggested video technology should be expanded from just goal line technology, and should be installed to try to combat diving. The use of goal line technology to allow or disallow goals has been mostly a success so far, but could it really help to prevent players from diving?
This all stems from Arjen Robben earning his Netherlands side a penalty late in their round of 16 game against Mexico. The Dutch converted the penalty, and went on to win the game 2-1. Robben had gone down multiple times in the game, and some could argue his final “flop” was the one the official had to call.
The outspoken manager said this to Yahoo about his former player
"“He was my player and I know better than many what a fantastic player he is.”“I also know that sometimes he tries to get an advantage and he tries to get a free-kick or he tries to get a penalty.”"
The topic of diving has been hotly contested for years, but always seems to pick up even more steam during the major world and continental tournaments. In the long run, officials will never be able to fully eliminate diving, and will continue to be faced with judgment calls.
Diving is apart of the game, some players try to get away with it, some don’t. Depending on how the technology would be implemented, possibly a handful more players would get caught in the act, but is it worth it? We’ve seen players get bowled over inside the penalty area with no spot kick given. We’ve seen players get brushed with an elbow, but go to ground like a fish out of water and earn a PK.
What do you think, can diving really be eliminated from the sport? Would adding video technology help combat diving, even though there are already cameras surrounding most stadiums? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below, or posting on social media!
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