Fletcher - I'd never dive

05 September 2009 10:01
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Darren Fletcher has insisted he would never resort to simulation to win a match for his club or country.[LNB] The diving debate has been raging since Arsenal striker Eduardo won a controversial penalty against Celtic in the UEFA Champions League last month.[LNB]The Croatian has been hit with a two-match European ban but there is an argument, put forward by Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, that the punishment was 'worth it'.[LNB]However, Manchester United midfielder Fletcher is adamant that honesty is always the best policy, regardless of the outcome.[LNB]"I'd play honestly every time I play," said the Scotland skipper.[LNB]"Sometimes a keeper can obstruct you and you stumble and fall and there is a difference between that and diving.[LNB]"That's where there is not a clear, defined line about how the referee perceives it.[LNB]"But if he doesn't touch me, I'm not going down. That's just the way it is."[LNB]PressureScotland need to win their remaining two World Cup qualifiers to realistically have any chance of making it into the play-offs and will be looking for three points against Macedonia on Saturday.[LNB]And Fletcher believes the expectations when playing for his country are just as high as when representing one of the most high-profile clubs in the world.[LNB]He said: "There is massive pressure in both sides and it's just something you learn to deal with.[LNB]"Football is high pressure these days but you've got to manage that and somehow enjoy it.[LNB]"It doesn't matter if I'm playing for Manchester United or Scotland, there is pressure in any job and it's the same with football.[LNB]"It's something you have to deal with, get over and then try to focus on winning the match."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports