England

FIFA President Blatter: Violent Play A Bigger Issue Than Diving

As a former striker, the head of world football's governing body says he understands why players go to ground.

Sep 30, 2009 8:43:57 AM

Joseph Blatter (Mexsport)

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has spoken out today on the controversial subject of diving.

European football's governing body, UEFA, recently overturned a two-game ban handed to Arsenal striker Eduardo for diving in the Champions League play-off against Celtic, and Blatter feels that violent conduct is a bigger issue in football than 'simulation'.

"I know myself, I was always a striker," he told reporters at a press conference today.

"But it's 50 years ago now – but I'm still a little bit of a striker.

"We tried to dribble, but when we could not go through and someone put his foot there, what do you do?

"You do a little bit more than you should have done. Is this so terrible? I don't think so. At least it's not so terrible that we should intervene after a match.

"The disciplinary committee should not intervene on that. They should intervene on violent play."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK

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