Posted by Stuart Grimshaw | Posted in video replays | Posted on 02-08-2009
Eany meany miny mo, catch a cheater by the, er video reply. It’s not quite how the old playground rhyme went, but it’s what Australia’s A-League are going to do to players that dive to earn free kicks, or penalties. Players caught “simulating” could receive a 2 match ban if cought by video replays after the match.
“I think everyone – fans, players and media – believe that simulation is unacceptable, and I am sure this change will be appreciated by the whole football community,” said Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO Ben Buckley.
Other leagues currently use video evidence to hand out disciplinary punishments to players, but usually only if the referee doesn’t mention it in his match report. The English leagues regularly use video evidence to punish players for serious foul play and clubs can submit video evidence to the FA when they appeal against a red or yellow card.
It remains to be seen if any other countries copy the Australians, but I can’t imagine many fans being against the idea, but let us know in the comments, either way.
