Howard Webb: 'Diving is not getting any worse this season'

Former Premier League referee Howard Webb has insisted that diving is not getting worse in England.

Webb, who officiated the 2010 World Cup Final, retired at the end of last season to become technical director of the Professional Game Match Officials [PGMO], who are in charge of top-flight referees.

He has claimed that the issue of diving is not getting worse, despite being a regular talking point.

Webb told reporters: "In terms of the impact simulation has in comparison to, say, giving an incorrect throw-in, it is more significant because it is more emotive and has an impact on the outcome of the game.

"Ultimately it involves someone trying to cheat. It's not getting worse from what we can see. There seems to be a bigger negative reaction to it. Less acceptance. Managers stepping up their reaction and saying they fine players for diving in training sessions."

Diving has become a hot topic in recent weeks following several incidents of players being punished for simulation.