Hi Steve

I agree that Lamela was looking for a penalty. But Virgil has been around long enough to spot this. I recorded the game and have viewed the incident in very slow motion. IMHO there is no doubt that he touched Lamela but I don't know what kind of touch makes the difference between being a penalty or not. Most players know about this and try to avoid any kind of contact in the area.

An example of the confusion is shown if you look at United's game against Huddersfield when a young player was completely flattened as he was charged by a defender the back in the area. He was felled by a two footed charge off the ground; This wasn't so much of tackle as an assault. No penalty was given. It strikes me that even the the referees don't know.

As for diving, it is cheating and the refs must get a grip of it. It is rife; most players do it.

It was never done before the European Leagues. These brought players of many different nationalities, many of whom were divers.

I can only recall one British player who dived - that was Franni Lee of Man City.

I think that diving should be an immediate red card not just a yellow and a kind word from the ref.

Cheers

Mike