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Is football, finally, getting more intolerant towards divers?
As soon as Seydou Doumbia fell, almost theatrically, having sprinted past Gerard Pique, the home side faithful inside the stadium were left in anticipation as they expected Sporting to be awarded a free-kick in a dangerous situation.
However, it soon became clear that the referee had blown his whistle against the home team, rather than the Spanish giants. The referee was prepared to book the Ivorian forward for 'diving' - a raging point of debate in footballing circles - as Doumbia struggled to get on his feet, having injured himself during the whole process.
When the 29-year-old eventually got to his feet, he was shown the yellow card, to his bemusement and was also substituted, soon after, as he was unable to shake off the injury he had picked up while diving.
New rules and laws have been implemented in various leagues across the world, to curb diving and it appears that finally, the efforts have started to pay dividends. While to eradicate such a menace will take much longer time and effort, it is a welcome change.
