'It's your right to show the ref that you have been pushed'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference."Diving is cheating, but there's no problem with exaggerating". That is Robin van Persie's view on the issue which enveloped his team-mate, Eduardo, in controversy earlier this season. Harry Redknapp last week suggested Spurs' Robbie Keane attempted to keep his feet at Chelsea because the incident, in which Eduardo was pilloried, banned, then exonerated, was on his mind. Van Persie said he never thought about the affair while playing, but admitted it did rear its head at Old Trafford this month.
"I had a moment at Man United after the whole Eduardo thing. I had the ball on the right and cut it back, Patrice Evra gave me a little push, only a little one, but it knocked me off balance. I fell down and the whole stadium started to boo me. I was like, 'Yeah but, come on, don't you see that he pushed me?' People don't see these little pushes but they put you off balance and it can look a bit funny.
"It is never my intention to dive. I am against divers because it is not honest but I think you are within your rights to show the ref you have been pushed. I do exaggerate things sometimes when I'm in the middle of an action, I take a little push, and I know the action is finished and I can't score. You make some movements with your arms or your body, but I don't think that is cheating."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments