Bale meets referee association over simulation charges

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 1: Gareth Bale of Tottenham (R) reacts after receiving a yellow card from Referee, Chris Foy during the Barclays Premier League match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage on December 1, 2012 in London, England.

Star Tottenham Hotspurs player Gareth Bale has met with the referee association to have a face-to-face talk and explain his side of events after being already booked four times for simulation during the ongoing premier league season. Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas said:

“We received a visit [from a referees' representative] this past week, and me and Gareth spoke to him about this situation.

“Gareth has gone through a difficult time in his career, with potentially career-threatening injuries, and sometimes, at the pace he goes, it looks like a dive when the player is actually protecting himself.

“He has told me he doesn’t mind what kind of reputation he might gain as he doesn’t try to do it. He avoids opponents, he avoids tackles at high pace. It is very, very difficult for the referee to judge, and we recognise that. If he gains a tag for diving it’s unfair, but it doesn’t bother him in any way or form.”

Gareth Bale has often stated that due to his bursting pace he often dives in order to avoid injuries after being plagued by injuries in the past.