Dowie urges managers to fine divers

Crystal Palace boss Iain Dowie has urged his fellow managers to follow his lead by fining players who dive.

Dowie believes simulation now exists at most levels of the English game – and insisted clubs should adopt a zero-tolerance policy with those players who seek to gain an advantage by such means.

The Eagles chief also claimed striker Andrew Johnson was not being given the penalties he deserves because he was labelled a diver in some quarters last term.

“If there is a blatant dive and a player is feigning injury when there is no contact, they should be fined,” said Dowie.

“The managers have a responsibility for the behaviour of their players - although it’s the referee who has to act on the pitch.

“When [Palace striker] Sandor Torghelle (who is now on loan at Panathinaikos) dived against Charlton last season, I told him it was unacceptable and he was fined for it. That was the right thing to do.

“But Andrew Johnson is the most honest player I have worked with and doesn’t dive. Because of some ill-informed and stupid comments about him last season, he now doesn’t get penalties. It’s a fact.”