Ex-referees call for automatic three-match ban for diving, Neymar ruthlessly taken apart in scathing criticism

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar has been ruthlessly blasted as the “worst exponent” of diving as two former referees called for automatic three-match bans.

Neymar has become a divisive figure in his playing career in the debate surrounding diving, with fans often criticising the Brazil international for his on-pitch theatrics.

Ex-Scottish referees Des Roache and Steve Conroy have spoken out against diving and called for much tougher sanctions on players who purposely take a tumble.

Roache has called on match officials to automatically hand down a red card for simulation and for players who took a dive to receive a three-match ban.

“If you deliberately cheat, you’re doing that to disadvantage the opposition to try to get someone sent off or win a penalty,” he said on the Get Involved Referee! podcast (via Grosvenor Sport).

“The only sanction for this is a yellow card, and that simply isn’t sufficient. I think if you get caught for simulation, it has to be a red card -- and on top of that, an automatic three-match ban.

“It’s one of the weaknesses in our laws, and if it was tightened up, managers would be giving players merry hell for landing a ban for diving.”

Conroy agreed with Roache’s call for a three-match ban, but he also pulled no punches towards 31-year-old Brazilian winger Neymar for his antics.

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“The paradox is that while the on-field punishment is a yellow, players can land a two-game ban if they are subsequently sanctioned,” he said.

“I agreed it should be a red card for diving AND a three-game ban.

“It is vile, and we have to try to get rid of it. Neymar is the worst exponent on the planet. I don’t know how any ref can give him a decision.

“The other thing that really gets me is players running into the box and then purposefully tripping over an outstretched leg.

“They are so good at it that it looks like they must be practising it, so is it being sanctioned by their club?”