Divers Must Be Seriously Punished, Says Arsene Wenger.

Arsene Wenger has recommended that players who dive to deceive referees during games should be seriously punished.

Even though he agrees that he has had players who have done such in the past, the Frenchman still maintains that it is a very bad thing to do and every culprit should face some sanctions. He wants such an unscrupulous act eradicated from the game which he believes can be achieved only if players who aren't punished on the pitch are later given bans.

“We should punish diving after the game,” the Arsenal boss said. “The problem will be to decide when it was obvious or not because sometimes it is not obvious.

“There should be a panel and the most suited to this are people who have an experience in the game. They should punish only the obvious cases, not mixed ones.

"Naming those guilty alone doesn't work. You have to suspend the players. I don't know how long for, it depends, but the only way that the players will stop doing it is if they feel they can get punished.”

Chelsea players have come under fire of late for attempting to get officials' favour. The most recent case occurred last Sunday when Cesc Fabregas was booked for simulation in their 0-0 draw against Southampton but Wenger says that not just one club is notorious for diving.

"It is the same for every club", Wenger said. We had them with Robert Pires and Eduardo – it is down to the players.

"You have to choose between being clever and being honest and that is a bad solution. What you want is for a player to play with honesty.

"Once the players start to dive or not to dive, it makes it difficult for the referee. Even if you talk to the players who have that in them, they will do it in the game.”