Flops

Impressive Willian Dive Fools Even VAR

Sometimes, even VAR can’t overcome the remarkable skill and acting ability of footballers. Chelsea took an early lead over Burnley after a clear Willian dive en route to an easy 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Even with Christian Pulisic out injured, Chelsea was probably going to beat Burnley with or without help from the officials. The Blues fully deserved their victory, but that doesn’t mean those outside of Stamford Bridge won’t be raising a few eyebrows after how Chelsea’s opening goal was earned moments after a potential opener was ruled out for Burnley.

Lionel Messi Booked For Diving After Telling Ref Not To Call A PK

Seeing Lionel Messi dive is about as rare as seeing the Argentine pick up a red card. It might happen from time to time, but not enough for anyone to legitimately call Messi a flopper.

Don’t tell that to 36-year-old referee Clement Turpin, who officiated Barcelona’s Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday at the Camp Nou.

Pep Guardiola Already Working Officials For Next Week’s Clash With Liverpool By Calling Mané A Diver

After being booked for diving in the first half, Sadio Mané sparked Liverpool to a yet another dramatic, come-from-behind victory. The Liverpool winger set up the equalizer and scored the winner in the closing minutes of a 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Saturday at Villa Park.

Almost immediately after, he was being attacked for diving by the manager — of next week’s match.

Daniel James Was Using 4D Shithousery To Fake Brain Trauma, Says Ryan Giggs

On Sunday, during a crunch Euro 2020 qualifier between Wales and Croatia in Cardiff, there was a terrifying moment in the 14th minute when highly touted Welsh winger Daniel James — somewhat stooping to win a header in the middle of the park — caught a flying knee to the back of the head from Croatian defender Domagoj Vida.

Alexis Sanchez Scores With His Ass, Gets Sent Off For Diving In First Inter Start

Alexis Sanchez, lol.

Alexis Sanchez, the once-brilliant-now-enigmatic Chilean, got the hell out of Manchester with a loan move to rejoin Romelu Lukaku at Inter Milan. To say the former Udinese, Barcelona and Arsenal winger’s time at Manchester United was a disappointment would be like saying the Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts” is kinda catchy. 

But given a new chance with a new club, back in the league where he first became a star, Alexis Sanchez made a massive immediate impact, for better and worse.

These Zodiac Signs Are The Most Likely To Flop And Cheat On The Soccer Pitch

Oh no.

How did we get here? Why are there horoscopes on the hallowed pages of The18.com? Why aren’t there more extremely interesting transfer mongerings like the ones over at ESPN FC? (Sources: Man Utd pray Dybala arrives in transfer exchange for Phil Jones . . . Sources: Coutinho rejects Tottenham and mind-body dualism . . . Sources: We don't have any sources.) 

These astrological signs better at least be rooted in scientific fact, The18, or I’m going batshit crazy in the comments section. You're not ready to feel the wrath of my keyboard.

25-Second Display Of Shithousery Includes Player Trying To Get Ref Sent Off

Have you ever seen Key & Peele’s “Fútbol Flop” sketch? Well, an actual match in the actual country of Argentina has made that look like an interpretive dance of the FIFA Fair Play Award. 

Here’s 25 seconds of action from Argentina’s Primera B Nacional — it’s a promotion playoff semifinal between Club Almagro and Central Córdoba. 

By my count, there’s at least seven instances (maybe more?) of shithousery here, climaxing in an Almagro player attempting to get the referee sent off.  

Zlatan Ibrahimovic Slapped With Fine For Diving

Major League Soccer has fined Zlatan Ibrahimovic an undisclosed amount for diving in Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat to the Columbus Crew.

Ibrahimovic was found guilty of simulation in the 23rd minute when going for a loose ball in the box. The hulking Swede threw his body over Crew keeper Zack Steffen, who didn’t make any real contact with the Galaxy striker. 

The referee waved play on with no foul called nor was Zlatan booked for the offense. 

Messi Gives Wry Smile After Embellishment Following Mean Shove From Milner

Liverpool spent a lot of the first half against Barcelona chasing Lionel Messi’s backside. Fabinho will probably have nightmares of the Blaugrana No. 10 jersey always fluttering just out of his reach. 

But when James Milner finally caught up to Messi at one point after the ball had gone out of bounds, he knocked the Argentine on his backside. 

What ensued was a wild embellishment from Messi, who isn’t usually prone to such antics. He followed that with a cheeky smile. 

Fair or foul?

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