Olsson steps into diving debate

West Brom defender Jonas Olsson says technology shouldn't be used to stamp out diving, despite Arsenal's controversial penalty on Saturday.

Last Updated: 10/12/12 at 07:01 Post Comment   

Jonas Olsson: Has sympathy for referees

Jonas Olsson: Has sympathy for referees

Replays appeared to show no contact between Santi Cazorla and West Brom defender Steven Reid, but Olsson thinks introducing technology to help referees who miss a dive is not the way to go.

"I think there needs to be space for the human factor," said Olsson, whose side lost 2-0 after Mikel Arteta scored twice from the spot.

"I think goal-line technology, that's fair enough, but apart from that you need to to keep the momentum.

"That's why this league is so good because of the tempo, because of the excitement of the pace, and if there were too many challenges I think you'd lose that."

Olsson concedes a penalty should not have been awarded, but had a phlegmatic outlook on the effect it had on the game.

"I think it's a difficult job. Players make mistakes on the pitch and so do referees," he added.

"What I always think is, in the overall season it will even out. You will get some things that go your way which maybe shouldn't be your way and maybe some things that don't.

"It's part of the game and that's part of the human factor I guess.

"The ref doesn't have the privilege of watching replays. I think it's a difficult job and of course the focus should be on the person diving as well."

Olsson did not turn his attention to Cazorla though, instead joining several of his team-mates in an exchange of words with referee Mike Jones in the immediate aftermath.

"I think in a situation like that you just react spontaneously because you think that it's the wrong move [by Cazorla] and it's the wrong decision by the ref and that's why you get frustrated," he added.

"But with that said, it's not the first [incorrect decision], not the last either. It's part of the game."

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

A

nd nothing of value was lost.

ahx00
Reports: Pulis departs Stoke

S

anity1892 Yes I probably should... But everytime I go back and read Almunia for England I just lose bladder control.

sir danne
The Busy Gossip

P

erfect replacement for Carragher. Slow, average when he was at his best, now well past it. Would just slot straight in! :)

rez plus
Liverpool eye Kolo move - Report

Footer 365

Hammers hoping Carroll commits

West Ham's chances of signing Andy Carroll on a permanent deal appear to now rest solely with the player after a fee was agreed with Liverpool.

Transfer news: Carlton Cole confirms West Ham departure

West Ham United striker Carlton Cole has confirmed he is leaving Upton Park after seven years with the club.

Transfer news: West Ham sign Romania captain Razvan Rat on free transfer

West Ham have confirmed the signing of Romania captain Razvan Rat on a free transfer.

Mail Box

Mourinho Isn't Short-Term, Football Is

There's more in the afternoon Mailbox about Jose Mourinho and his potential return to Chelsea, while there's also a link to some pictures of eagles that look like Arsene Wenger...

Should Chelsea Be Worried About Jose Return?

After a disappointing end to his three years at Real Madrid, could Jose Mourinho struggle to bring immediate success if he completes his anticipated return to Chelsea?

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved