Wenger makes a valid point on the culture of simulation.
Wenger has conceded the striker exaggerated his fall, but he still believes Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc made contact with Eduardo and a penalty was justified.
‘Eduardo made a bit more of it but watch the television and it is part of the game,’ said the Arsenal manager.
‘It is a very fine line between being shrewd and cheating the referee.
‘You cannot prove intent from a guy who is touched; he goes down and shows the referee that it is a penalty.
‘It’s a very emotional situation. Being a hero or a cheat depends very much on what side of the camp you are on.
‘England are in the World Cup and if Rooney does that in the last minute of the game and England win the World Cup, do you really think Rooney will be slaughtered the next day?’ (Daily Mail)
If anyone believes that in this day and age that diving is more prevalent among those who do not originate from the UK then you are sadly mistaken. Perhaps ten years ago the idea of taking a dive was far less acceptable and practiced then on the continent but I can assure you we have well and truly caught up on that score.
Eduardo was always be the victim of the boo boys at Wembley and in many ways it was understandable, the England supporters were just using another tool to get at the opposition and perhaps it did the trick but let’s be honest there are a great many divers amongst the England line up and they do not get pulled up as often as their continental friends simply because there is certainly some sort of xenophobic attitude prevalent among some spheres of football.
Diving is a disgrace whomever commits the offence and fact is it should be punished regardless of nationality so in many ways our Croatian deserved his punishment for his Celtic tumble but clearly the punishment must be consistent for anyone to take notice and for the game to really eradicate the behaviour that really does sicken and anger most supporters.