Although Makelele may have received his just desserts there's a growing feeling in the game that cheats prosper. From Robert Pires ' pirouette against Portsmouth to Harry Kewell's collapse at Yeovil, diving has dominated the agenda this season, and even as respected a professional as Matt Holland was accused of winning a penalty against Arsenal through foul means. Just as batsmen never walk, footballers rarely stay on their feet. It can be argued that Makelele's dive was the worst of the lot. As the incident took place in his own penalty area he had nothing to gain other than the dismissal of an opponent, which is just about as cynical and calculating as you can get.
