Bristol Rovers top the list for most diving offences this season

Daily Mirror

11 hours ago

Diving has been a hot topic in the Premier League this season, and now new research has revealed the most common age for divers in the men's game.
Bristol Rovers, who were relegated from League One, have topped a different, rather dubious table this season. The team have been crowned the most prolific divers in England's top divisions. The West Country team racked up eight yellow cards for simulation, the highest tally of any team over the past three seasons.
Hot on their heels was Premier League team Chelsea with seven bookings, the same number as Burton Albion. Manchester City, Newcastle United, Crawley Town, Accrington Stanley and Barrow each received six reprimands after being caught trying to fool the ref with rather questionable dives over the recent season.
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Football statistician Statman Dave crunched the numbers as part of Snickers' wider 'Off Your Game' campaign, with the Deep Diving Audit providing a data-driven look at diving across English football.
Dave O'Brien scrutinised match footage, referee reports and extensive game insights to unveil the dramatic diving data. He commented: "Diving has always been a part of the game, but when you look at the numbers, like I've done for Snickers' Deep Diving Audit, it's clear that some clubs and players really know how to keep things interesting.
"Whether it's tactical, instinctive, or maybe even hunger-related, one thing is for sure, when players are off their game, it shows, and sometimes, it's not just the ball that goes rolling."
Almost all instances of diving occurred in the second half, with a particular surge during the 90th minute. Meanwhile, 70% of dives took place in the penalty area.
Strikers in the Premier League have been pinned for 26% of all dives across the past three seasons, a stark contrast to defenders, with just one centre-back having been booked for diving.
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The data dug deeper into the 2024/25 season, revealing that a striking 75% of dives took place when the player's team was losing, and on average, these theatrics lasted nine seconds.
The spotlight turned on players aged 22, who commonly sport white boots and are English. According to the data this demographic accounted for 42% of the season's dives.
In comparison to their male counterparts, female footballers demonstrate much fairer play; as records show only a single instance of a booking for diving in the Women's Super League over the last three seasons.
Delia Lendais-Metral from the chocolate brand said: "Let's face it, when you're hungry, you're not quite yourself. The Snickers Deep Diving Audit taps into those moments when things go slightly off, on or off the pitch.
"Whether it's a mis-timed slide or a full-blown flop, this is a fun reminder that staying fuelled helps keep you on your game."
TOP 8 MOST DIVE-PRONE CLUBS OF THE PAST THREE SEASONS
Bristol Rovers – 8 dives
Chelsea – 7 dives
Burton Albion – 7 dives
Manchester City – 6 dives
Newcastle United – 6 dives
Crawley Town – 6 dives
Accrington Stanley – 6 dives
Barrow – 6 dives