This may come over as the ramblings of a footballing dinosaur but having sat through Town's game v Gateshead, Match of the Day and the Football League Show I think more and more we are losing the game.
In the 70's players got away with what would today be a GBH charge, permitted to come through the back of players in an 'attempt" to play the ball. Outlawing of that type of challenge changed the game for the better but now it is being 'sanitised' as we move towards a non contact- sport.
Players at all levels go to ground at the slightest touch even when they are not in full flight, just a touch and they hit the deck expecting, and often winning a free kick or penalty.
Are the players to blame? Partially perhaps but referee's assessors, FIFA and the media, especially the so called 'expert 'pundits are all very culpable.
Refereeing has always been difficult, now I feel it is virtually impossible. Players go over at any contact, some initiate the contact by actually flying through the air and making contact with defenders to 'win' penalties/free kicks. I won't beat around the bush, this is cheating and, in my opinion, has no place in sport.
The players seem encouraged to 'gain an advantage'. The TV pundits revel in statements like 'entitled to go to ground' or 'there was contact' NO! It is cheating. In days gone by you went down if you couldn't keep your balance after a challenge. You were honest to teammates, opponents, the game and above all, yourself.
Old fashioned views? Perhaps, but I maintain the game as a whole would be better if it had some moral fibre!
Will things change? No, I think it will get worse and fans will be brainwashed by media and a weak governing body who seem intent to move towards a non contact sport. I accept that, like life, sport evolves and changes but not always for the better. - CP
What are your views? please tweet @marinerstrust - a fair assessment, or out of date? Is diving here to stay?