Let's not beat around the bush here. Most of us know that since the advent of the Premier League and the influx of players from different cultures,the propensity to cheat has increased beyond measure. Foreign players have brought with them their culture conviction that to cheat and get away with it is something to be admired.....it's seen as a clever manoeuvre to achieve gain in some cultures.
Whatever we think of it,it's now endemic in our game. I'm watching my under 13 Grandson. In a match recently,his team had a throw in and the lad that was covering him clearly had hold of his shirt to stop him moving. I shouted at the Ref to draw his attention,and was met with abuse from the other team coach...." what are you on about?". When I pointed out it was a definate foul and his player had clearly been coached to cheat,he got abusive toward me,as though I didn't know the game. ****ing idiot!
I've always been grateful and proud of my martial arts schooling,and when I told him his immediate fortune,he quickly disappeared further down the pitch.
But this is what we've come to now.....fouling and cheating is rife. In an average match,how many fouls are committed in a penalty area,often by both teams, in advance of a corner......the answer is....dozens!