Pulis calls for ban on diving

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has called on the Football Association to ban any player who is found guilty of diving for three games.

The Welshman was outraged with Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic and Oscar as both tried to win penalties for their side in Stoke’s narrow 1-0 loss to the Blues in the Premier League on Saturday.

Only the Brazilian was handed a yellow card, but Pulis feels the defender should have been punished too if any meaningful clamping down on simulation is to be achieved.

“I have spoken about simulation before,” Pulis said on Thursday.

“They are really quick to pull people up on incidents that they think are bookable or sending-off incidents and I think they should pull people up for diving and give them a three-game ban straight away.

“Ivanovic would be looking at three games, Chelsea wouldn’t be too happy with him and I don’t think he would be diving around anymore.

“We just don’t think it’s right and we encourage the players to be as honest as they can. We think it is the way to do it – whatever other clubs do, they do.”

The 54-year-old also reiterated that Michael Owen would not be rushed back into action, but does have a part to play for the Potters this season.

The former England striker has made two appearances from the substitute bench following his free transfer from Manchester United this summer but Pulis is keen to get him fully fit before sanctioning a starting berth.

“The players that we’ve brought in have mixed in really well,” he said.

“The thing with Michael is, because of his experience and because of what he has done in the game, he will be more the centre of attention.

“We’re hoping that we get him fit, that we get him in the team and he will score us goals. That’s what we’re hoping for and I’m sure Michael’s the same.

“But we’ll take out time with him. We don’t want to overburden him at the beginning and that he picks up injuries.

“It’s a long season and we’ll go careful with him.”