Playing a sport requires discipline, respect and a team attitude. However, when it comes to soccer, some players have become notorious for “acting” on the field. Although it can be difficult to determine a player’s intentions, it is clear that soccer players are indeed faking injuries. This article looks at the reasons why players fake injuries, how referees handle this type of behavior, and how it can affect the outcome of a game.
What Are Some Reasons Soccer Players Fake Injuries?
There are a number of reasons why soccer players may choose to fake an injury. One of the most common is to ‘waste time’ in a match, which can be used to rest or give instructions to teammates. In addition, players may attempt to draw a foul or even induce a red card on the opposing team. According to the former coach of Scotland’s National Football team, Walter Smith:
> “Sometimes players are tempted to take such actions as a way of helping to win a game, which can be a huge temptation in a tight or important match.”
Another reason some players may be inclined to fake an injury is in the hope of gaining a penalty or a free kick. Finally, players may fake an injury in order to disrupt the momentum of the game, as the play has to be stopped for medical treatment.
How Do Referees Handle Fake Injuries?
A referee’s role is to monitor the behavior of both players and fans and to ensure that the rules of the sport are followed. As such, it is important that they can identify any breaches or attempts to deceive, including players who are faking an injury.
In order to identify cases of simulation, referees need to be aware of a number of factors. These include observing whether the supposed injury happened after a normal situation or contact that does not require medical attention and if the player himself demonstrates unusual behavior. For example, players who jump up too quickly or gesture for attention can be identified as trying to deceive the referee.
In some cases, the referee may choose not to award a penalty for simulation and instead book the player for a yellow card. At other times, depending on the severity, a yellow or a red card could be given.
Do Fake Injuries Affect the Outcome of Games?
Fake injuries can affect the outcome of a game in several different ways. For one, they can provide players with an unfair advantage by giving them an opportunity to rest or to continue playing with an injury that is not too serious. Secondly, manipulating the referee by falsely claiming an injury can put pressure on the referee to make a decision that could potentially favour one team over the other.
Fake injuries can also disrupt the flow of the game and can impact the morale of the players and the fans alike. Furthermore, where a match is televised and those watching it can see the incident, it can give an inaccurate and negative impression of the game.
Conclusion
Soccer players have become notorious for faking injuries, and there are a variety of reasons why players may choose to do so. It is important that referees are able to identify these cases of simulation in order to protect the reputation of the game and to ensure a fair outcome. Furthermore, when players fake injuries, it can have far-reaching implications and can affect the outcome of a game in more ways than one.
References
Walter Smith, “The right way to stop football simulation,” Scottish National Football Team, April 1, 2020, www.scottishsafefootball.scot/feature/the-right-way-to-stop-football-simulation/