LUFC Grayson - They should get tough with divers

Leeds United boss Simon Grayson believes that players caught diving should serve an automatic one match ban.

Leeds come face to face with Theo Walcott this evening, who openly admitted to diving in the first game at the Emirates in the hope that he would win Arsenal a penalty.

Fortunately for Leeds, referee Phil Dowd, who had an excellent game in the first game at the Emirates waved away the appeals, although at first he looked to have awarded a spot kick.

The young England international did however win Arsenal a penalty a few minutes later when he was tugged back by Leeds defender Ben Parker, a decision that no one could argue with in the Leeds camp.

Walcott admitted after the game that he did try to deceive the referee and apologised to both sets of teams and fans for his actions.

Speaking in the Yorkshire Evening Post, Grayson said, 'I suppose he's been honest enough to admit what he did but diving's something I don't agree with.

'In general my rule on diving would be that anyone caught doing it should be banned for the next game. That would soon stop people trying to influence decisions."

Walcott is sure to receive a vociferous welcome to Elland Road this evening from the Elland Road faithful who will want to show him just what they think of his diving antics in the first game.



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