Sir Alex Ferguson has backed UEFA’s decision to ban Arsenal’s cheat Eduardo for diving and says that the punishment will send out a message to the football community. Arsenal’s Croatian striker ‘simulated’ a foul to win a penalty against Celtic in the Champions League qualifier, second leg. UEFA has now banned the player for two European ties, meaning Eduardo will miss Arsenal’s opening Champions League group matches.
It was followed by an outrageous Emmanuel Eboué dive that earned the Ivorian defender a yellow card at Old Trafford on Saturday.
“Quite rightly something should be done. You hope that message gets across,” said Ferguson, who is attending the UEFA Elite Club Coaches Forum in Nyon, Switzerland during the international break.
“Not one coach is proud of the fact that they have players who simulate to get decisions. Coaches can’t be proud if they have won the game that way. I certainly wouldn’t be,” the Scot added.
“We all agreed that education is the best way forward, from youth teams through to first team players. We all have a responsibility, particularly the players of today, on how it impacts on young people.”
But Ferguson backed Arsène Wenger’s refusal to condemn Eduardo’s blatant cheating.
“I wouldn’t say it publicly but I wouldn’t be pleased if it was my player who did that,” the United manager added in Wenger’s defence.
“When you make a public criticism of your players you are in danger of losing the morale of the dressing room. Your job is to protect the dressing room and keep it solid. You become insular and protective of your own players in your team. We’re all selfish that way.”