Eduardo dive was disrespectful say Scottish FA

On the spot: Eduardo won Arsenal a controversial penalty, which he then converted himself

11 April 2012

The head of the Scottish FA has urged UEFA to punish Arsenal striker Eduardo for "diving" in last night's Champions League play-off with Celtic at Emirates Stadium.

Chief executive Gordon Smith said the striker "disrespected" the game by winning the controversial penalty during Arsenal's 3-1 win and has joined Celtic midfielder Massimo Donati in calling for Eduardo to be banned.

UEFA, who confirmed this morning they would be looking at the incident, handed Lithuania winger Saulius Mikoliunas a two-match suspension after TV footage showed he dived to get a penalty against Scotland in 2007.

SFA chief executive Gordon Smith wants tough action again and said: "Eduardo is a terrific player who has battled back from a serious injury to resume playing at the highest level.

"However, last night he showed disrespect to the game by his actions. I have raised the issue of simulation time and time again — both here in Scotland and with FIFA and UEFA.

"I don't think that I have received enough support in my efforts to eradicate what I believe to be one of the most serious threats to the integrity of football. Last night showed why we must take this issue seriously.

"We have shown the courage to use retrospective punishment when it comes to simulation and I would urge UEFA to do so in this instance. Everything that can be done to stamp it out must be done — starting right now."

UEFA rules state a player should be suspended for two games if found guilty of acting "with the obvious intent to cause any match official to make an incorrect decision."

Although UEFA are reluctant to use video to analyse decisions made by the referee they will look at the incident once they have received his report and that of the match delegate within the next 48 hours. A UEFA spokesman said: "The reports are examined by the disciplinary unit and a decision about whether the incident should be looked at further will then be taken.

"Celtic may also contact us if they have a complaint about the game."

Arsene Wenger admitted after the game that TV replays showed his side were fortunate to be awarded a spot-kick but he would not condemn his player. The Arsenal manager said: "I do not want a penalty which is not a penalty, but I do not go as far to say Eduardo dived. I am not sure that the keeper didn't touch him with his right knee, having seen it again.

"He went down, for what reason I do not know. But I do not think he would have complained if the penalty was not given."

Wenger then referred to the Champions League quarter-final at Liverpool two years ago when he claimed Ryan Babel dived to win a late penalty, which sent the Gunners out. He said: "Nobody ever apologised to us."

Eduardo dive was disrespectful say Scottish FA

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