Source: SKY_Sports
Wenger defends Van Persie
Arsene Wenger has backed Robin Van Persie after the striker admitted he exaggerates falls in the box.
Diving has been a heated topic at the Emirates this season following the Eduardo controversy against Celtic in a UEFA Champions League qualifier earlier in the season.
The Dutch international added to the debate last week when he stressed that he did not dive in the area but did exaggerate the amount of contact to make sure the referee notices the foul.
Wenger has now come out and supported the former Feyenoord youngster and highlighted such action was needed to win a penalty as referees are giving less and less spot-kicks these days.
"Sometimes when a striker is fouled, he wants to make sure the referee sees that, which is what basically Robin was talking about," he said.
"He wanted to show there is a difference between what people call diving and being fouled.
"In fact, the television showed a great example of it at Manchester United when a penalty was not given when (Patrice) Evra fouled Van Persie 100 per cent.
"He had to go down, but when you go down, you make sure the referee notices you have been fouled.
"There is a trend all over Europe to give less fouls and less penalties than before - at Italy there was a stage when they gave a penalty every time somebody collapsed."
