Ginola defends Tottenham winger Bale over diving allegations
Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder David Ginola has come to the defence of under-fire Gareth Bale, who has been booked in the last two games for diving.
Bale was cautioned in Spurs game against Liverpool in midweek and then again on Saturday against Fulham for simulation. However, Ginola told BBC Sport that Bale is getting the reputation of a diver unfairly, and feels that more should be donee to protect the Welsh flyer.
“It's really easy when you run that fast with that pace on the pitch at players - you don't need a big tackle to go down. A little push would be enough to lose balance.
“Football is about entertainment. When you have players like that who entertain you week in, week out, you have to protect that. It's so precious.”
Ginola, who also represented Newcastle, Aston Villa and Everton in a glittering career in the 1990s, echoed the sentiments of Spurs Head Coach Andre Villas-Boas, who though the yellow card on Saturday was “a little bit harsh.” And Ginola, a winger known for his skill and flamboyance on the ball, was concerned that Bale, who has scored six goals this season for Spurs, may get a reputation as a diver. “When you get a reputation, it's really hard to get rid of,” he said.
The former French international has also likened Bale to his fellow Welshman, Ryan Giggs. “To be put alongside Ryan Giggs is a huge compliment for Gareth Bale, but one day, Ryan Giggs will be very happy to be named alongside Gareth Bale.”
See what the expert tipsters at OLBG are tipping on Everton v Tottenham
Related Articles
|