Gordon Taylor thinks that blatant diving must be punished further with the stakes in the modern game being so high.
PFA chief calls for zero tolerance over cheating
Gordon Taylor thinks that blatant diving must be punished further with the stakes in the modern game being so high.
The chief executive of the Professional Footballer's Association is adamant that players need to be made aware of the consequences of their actions.
"When it is blatant, when players are feigning injury or holding parts of the body that weren't even touched just to try to exaggerate a contact or get an opponent booked or sent off, that is something that needs to be condemned and that can't be tolerated," Taylor said.
"From that point of view, it is up to all authorities, including the referees and with the aid of technology, to make sure there is education and appropriate sanctions when it is blatant - when someone has tried to gain an advantage they shouldn't have done - so that the message gets through.
"It is very difficult when players are playing with so much at stake and managers jobs are on the line - sometimes their futures depend on the next game - for them not to think to seize an advantage if they can get one.
"But I think we have got to do all we can to try to make sure the game is played in the best possible way.
"That sounds a little innocent and naïve but unless you do that you are not doing your job."
Technology
Juan Mata's controversial goal in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley has seen more calls for video playback to be used on over-the-line decisions, but Taylor feels technology could also be used to punish playacting.
"No doubt if we do get video technology there will be a debate about should we use it to see if contact was made.
"In crucial situations I see no reason why the referee can't hold up play for a period of time, albeit a short time, to see that justice is done."
