It was fascinating to watch Theo Walcott’s interview after Arsenal’s FA Cup 3rd Round tie at the Emirates versus Leeds a few weeks ago. Having won his side a penalty in the 88th minute that Fabregas converted - saving Arsenal’s blushes and earning a replay – he admitted he had dived to win a penalty earlier on in the game.
On one side, it’s refreshing to hear a professional footballer be so honest in front of the camera. With the increase in media coverage in the last decade, players often have lessons in how to deal with the media and what to say and not to say in interviews. But in this interview with Walcott, he admitted he took a dive and apologised for doing so. Although I appreciate his apology, many professionals would avoid the subject altogether – he commented about having a “laugh” with the referee after the game saying it was "his first dive, could you tell?" It makes you question how often this goes on within the game.
However, Walcott also mentioned the common saying in the game “if you feel a slight touch then go down” which has often caused debate over the whole diving issue. It is often seen as ‘smart’ when a player goes into a committed challenge to win a penalty or free-kick – it’s not seen as form of cheating but more like wise trickery. However, going down without being touched is as dishonest as you can get from a professional, not only are they conning the referee but they are cheating the opposition and the fans in order for their own team's gain.
It reminds me of a story from earlier on in the season when Blackpool’s Ian Evatt claimed that referee, Howard Webb, told him and his fellow Blackpool players to "go to ground" if they want more chance of winning a free-kick. Webb’s point was that it is easier for referees to make a decision when they have a clear indication the player has been fouled.
The story came about when Webb was at Bloomfield Road as part of an FA Scheme to ease relationships between players and referees. Evatt had asked Webb why he hadn’t been given a free-kick during their game against Manchester City in a build-up to one of their goals. Webb had told him he was "too honest" by staying on his feet.
So if referees are telling players to go to ground, what does it mean for Theo Walcott in his admission to diving? He could still face an FA charge over the incident but at least now he has a strong case to back it up.
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