Toronto FC coach rips Columbus
Posted: Tuesday May 20, 2008 06:32AM ET
Toronto FC Coach John Carver, on Columbus's tactics: "They've come to spoil the game. They've come to take their time. They've come to fall over and dive all over the park, and I think that's what they did. Any team to go six wins out of seven and have a game plan like that surprises me a little bit."





Comments (25)
how odd. a team playing for a draw when they are forced to play on the worst surface in the league. /sarc
Is he serious?
sithomeandrot | 05/20/08, 07:38 AM
Report Offensive CommentSithomeandrot - what does playing on turf have to do with diving? If you actually saw the game you would know what Carver was talking about.
SportCanada | 05/20/08, 08:26 AM
Report Offensive CommentI wish yellow cards could be issued for players after officials watch the game on tape and determine which players have legitimately been fouled and which have simply thrown themselves to the ground. Nothing worse than seeing a player fall to the ground because he can't go any further with the ball or because he's dribbled himself into trouble. Especially good players that get protection from officials anyway. Big, strong guys that fall over if you breath on them drives me insane.
MadridistAmericano | 05/20/08, 09:00 AM
Report Offensive CommentI wish yellow cards could be issued for players after officials watch the game on tape and determine which players have legitimately been fouled and which have simply thrown themselves to the ground. Nothing worse than seeing a player fall to the ground because he can't go any further with the ball or because he's dribbled himself into trouble. Especially good players that get protection from officials anyway. Big, strong guys that fall over if you breath on them drives me insane.
MadridistAmericano | 05/20/08, 09:00 AM
Completely agree...I can't think of another sport where officials have such a hard time telling the difference between a foul and flopping....other than hocky...and basketball.
PimpyLooka | 05/20/08, 09:07 AM
Report Offensive CommentSithomeandrot - what does playing on turf have to do with diving? If you actually saw the game you would know what Carver was talking about.
SportCanada | 05/20/08, 08:26 AM
SportCanada....that's the first time I've seen those two words connected.
I get jokes.
PimpyLooka | 05/20/08, 09:09 AM
Report Offensive CommentIf you give the cards after the game, there is potential that the player/team does end up getting their just punishment through accumlated disciplinary points. But they still may have gained an immediate advantage, seeing that as worth it in the balance.
kopper | 05/20/08, 11:16 AM
Report Offensive Commentis this really news to carver? yeah, real surprised that there's diving going on in soccer.
Drujubee | 05/20/08, 11:27 AM
Report Offensive Commentsadly diving has become an epidemic. some of it, unfortunately, comes from certain national styles (some represented on the crew roster). rolling around on the ground after an "apparent" foul has become an artform for some players. it has taken away from the beauty, competetiveness, and the physicality of football. no wonder people who don't understand the sport and only see those instances laugh and would rather watch football or baseball (yawn!) - SAD! whining and griping should also be punished more quickly. i'm sick and tired of seeing every "nudge" and tackle questioned...
bluemonk | 05/20/08, 11:53 AM
Report Offensive Commentsecond reference to football is "american football." sorry!
bluemonk | 05/20/08, 11:55 AM
Report Offensive CommentIf you give the cards after the game, there is potential that the player/team does end up getting their just punishment through accumlated disciplinary points. But they still may have gained an immediate advantage, seeing that as worth it in the balance.
kopper | 05/20/08, 11:16 AM
Enter instant replay....if you show a player taking an obvious flop on the jumbo tron, over and over, the humiliation alone should help with this. Then the refs can review, make a judgment and if the player is found to have flopped? Out comes the "pink" card. What player would want to be given the pink card?
PimpyLooka | 05/20/08, 12:11 PM
Report Offensive Comment"Pink" card - I LOVE IT!!
MadridistAmericano | 05/20/08, 12:15 PM
Report Offensive Comment"Pink" card - I LOVE IT!!
MadridistAmericano | 05/20/08, 12:15 PM
with velcro on one side...they have to wear it the rest of the game so the refs see him go down again, they'll know he's a flopper.
PimpyLooka | 05/20/08, 12:20 PM
Report Offensive Commentlet's bring out the pink card in mls play... that'll win respect for the league! lol
bluemonk | 05/20/08, 12:21 PM
Report Offensive Commentlove the velcro idea... sweet... talk about shame!
bluemonk | 05/20/08, 12:21 PM
Report Offensive CommentWhat should be the punishment if a player gets sent off for flopping?
MadridistAmericano | 05/20/08, 12:24 PM
Report Offensive CommentWhat should be the punishment if a player gets sent off for flopping?
MadridistAmericano | 05/20/08, 12:24 PM
He should be presented an acting award on the sidelines...the FIFAAA
PimpyLooka | 05/20/08, 12:29 PM
Report Offensive CommentIs the turf at BMO Field really THAT bad?!? Seriously, I know players have complained about it and people like sithomeandrot bring it up on occasion, but is the problem real or reputation? Last season TFC players were indeed dropping like flies, and it was in vogue to blame the fieldturf. But this season with a new strength and conditioning coach (and program), knock on wood we haven't seen the same litany of knee, hip, ankle and lower back injuries. So was it poor conditioning last year or was it really the surface?
Big Ben | 05/20/08, 01:06 PM
Report Offensive CommentGiven how integral flow is to soccer, I'm not sure how instant replay could be incorporated without becoming a total nuisance. Perhaps like in some sports, each manager could have a single challenge.
And if the challenge fails, the manager could have to wear the pink card!
kopper | 05/20/08, 01:33 PM
Report Offensive CommentNo way to having instant replay in soccer. the fouls and start of play is far to quick. The game is almost perfect right now. no rules changes are needed.
music3868 | 05/20/08, 04:28 PM
Report Offensive Commentif u want to see an expert diver, just watch the CL final on wedneesday where you will see didier drogba...
HA HA HA
jeevs BS | 05/20/08, 05:47 PM
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