West Ham's Lanzini could face FA diving ban

Published on: 18 December 2017

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Stoke 'damaged' by penalty decision - Mark Hughes

West Ham playmaker Manuel Lanzini could face a ban for diving in the Premier League win over Stoke on Saturday.

The Argentine fell to the ground as he was challenged by defender Erik Pieters and the Hammers were awarded a penalty, which put them 1-0 up in a 3-0 victory.

The incident has now been referred to a Football Association Independent Regulatory Commission.

Stoke boss Mark Hughes claimed Lanzini "clearly dived", while West Ham boss David Moyes blamed Lanzini's "fatigue".

The FA panel includes one former match official, one ex-manager and one ex-player, and all three have to agree for a ban to be enforced.

"Whether or not he is or not, it doesn't help us," said Hughes.

"He's clearly dived. He's a clever player, he'll draw a foul or some kind of challenge but he wasn't clipped.

"Referees need to get match-defining decisions correct and he certainly didn't get that one correct."

'I see it being tiredness' Lanzini tumbles as Stoke's Erik Pieters makes a challenge

Graham Scott was the referee for the game which Stoke lost 3-0 to leave them in 17th place - one point above the relegation zone.

"I would call it soft," said Moyes.

"Manu has ran 70 yards and probably ran his race at the end of it, I think the defender going to ground means the referee has a choice to make.

"I don't think there's any intent regarding a dive. I think he's riding the tackle more than anything.

"If you take the whole action into consideration, I definitely don't see it being a dive. I see it being tiredness at the end of it but I don't see a dive."

Everton forward Oumar Niasse was the first Premier League player to be banned for diving after new FA laws to punish simulation were introduced in May.

He was banned for two games after winning a controversial penalty, under pressure from Scott Dann, in a draw at Crystal Palace.

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