RETROSPECTIVE action is taken against players who have committed some form of violent conduct that has not been spotted by the referee, but the FA is reported to be extending this to players who dive and get a way with it.

I must point out that diving is not mentioned in the Laws of the Game.

What it actually says is – ‘a player should be cautioned if he attempts to deceive the referee by feigning injury or pretending to have been fouled (simulation)’.

Retrospective action for diving has applied in Scotland for years, with the punishment of a two match suspension.

This may seem a little severe when you consider that had the referee spotted it, it would mean a yellow card only.

However, if it would help put a stop to this form of cheating, it would be welcome, not only to make the referee’s life easier but also as Howard Webb once said, ‘cut out the diving and you will get better decisions’.

I hope this would be extended to feigning injury. This in my opinion worse than diving, as it is done with the intention of getting an opponent sent off.

Take the example of Joey Barton in Burnley’s cup tie with Lincoln City.

His deliberate standing on an opponent’s foot (not spotted by the referee), caused the opponent to raise his arm to protest to the referee.

Barton tried to duck under the outstretched arm, but stood up too quickly and his head hit the opponent's forearm. He immediately fell to the ground, clutching his head as if he had been struck a forceful blow.

He said on twitter that he wasn’t tying to get the opponent sent off. Who does he think he is kidding?

He is not the only one of course; it is far too prevalent amongst even top players. If an undetected dive receives a two-match suspension than feigning injury, this most invidious act of deception, must be worth a four match ban.