Magic of the cup? More like dirty tricks

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Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
08 Jan	12:45 PM	FA	Leeds United (H)	1	1	Draw

Illusionist Derren Brown is always sure to tell his audience that he doesn't claim to have magic powers, and that what they are seeing is merely trickery and misdirection. A similar disclaimer might have been useful for a couple of the big games of this FA Cup 3rd round weekend.

Everyone always goes on about the magic of the cup, but is that just romantic nonsense in our cynical and corrupt modern game? After all, it certainly wasn't magic that kept two of the biggest teams, Arsenal and Man Utd, in the competition this year. With dives from Theo Walcott and Dimitar Berbatov to earn their sides crucial penalties, this certainly was misdirection.

The difference? Walcott admitted to his dive, whereas Berbatov continued to lie when questioned about it after the game.

The Bulgarian said: "Of course it was a penalty. There was enough contact for me to lose my balance and people know I do not go to ground easily."

For all the criticisms of the Man Utd striker, I suppose diving isn't one of them, so perhaps he's used his reputation against us there. With Walcott's surprising admission after yesterday's game, will he now have earned himself a reputation that will work against him?

Walcott admitted: "I want to apologise to the managers because I actually dived. I was trying to win the penalty.

"I am not the sort of player to do it but I own up to it and apologise. It is something I don't want to see in my game.

"I have heard some players say if there is a slight touch go down and it can work both ways. It was one of those things. I am not happy with myself for doing that but I am happy that we got the draw.

"I had a little joke with the referee afterwards saying 'that was my first dive, can you tell?'

"I don't have to own up to it and I can't speak for other players but I have just expressed how I feel. I hope people respect that."

I guess you have to say it's refreshing to see a player being honest, but how far does honesty get you in the game? It's sad that we have to ask, but it's true, and how much do we care if he dives to salvage us a draw and keep us in the cup? Obviously you'd hope we'd have enough to beat a Championship club at home without the need to cheat, but who'll care about that if we go on to lift the cup in May?

As I write this, Chelsea are thrashing our Carling Cup opponents Ipswich Town 6-0. Hopefully we'll see more of an honest footballing display in our upcoming semi-finals.

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