Shannon Cole Fined By His Own Club, Syndey FC, for Violating Anti-Diving Policy

by

Dec 12, 2011

Shannon Cole was fined an unspecified amount for violating Sydney FC’s no-diving policy in Australian A-League game Sunday. The Sydney Morning Herald reports Cole was not punished by the Australian soccer federation, but by his own club

The incident in question took place in the 93rd minute of a scoreless draw with Gold Coast United. Cole easily went to the ground in the Gold Coast penalty area while contesting Peter Jungschlager for position. The referee did not penalize the challenge, but Cole’s club sure did. 

“I acknowledge that we have a policy of no diving and we all support the clubs stance on this matter,” Cole said. “I knew I did the wrong thing as soon as I hit the ground, so I got up without asking for a penalty and ran straight back into position.”

“I was expecting to be fouled when he came across but after going to the ground I realised straight away he had not fouled me.”

Sydney implemented the no-diving policy at the beginning of the season to encourage sportsmanship and punish cheating. American soccer-skeptics will surely applaud its enforcement. 

“Shannon has shown integrity and honesty in putting his hand straight up and admitting he did the wrong thing yesterday,” Club CEO Dirk Melton said.

“As a club we all support the no diving policy and Shannon has been courageous enough to acknowledge his actions were wrong and accepted the punishment.”

Previous Article

Nate Solder Looking Forward to Denver Homecoming, Downplays Mile-High Altitude’s Effect on Games

Next Article

Dane Fletcher Feels Good a Day After Returning to Patriots Lineup Following Six-Week Layoff

Picked For You