Why impugn honour of Aluko?

sone’s honesty exemplifies the diving paradox

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ONE of the more irksome scourges of modern football is diving.

But referees inadvertently encourage it – exemplified when Aberdeen attacker Sone Aluko was not awarded the penalty which could have ended the game at Hibernian as a contest.

With just eight minutes left, Aluko was crudely tripped from behind by O’Brien in the Hibernian box. The Dons player wobbled but stayed on his feet and poked an unsuccessful shot at goal.

There is no doubt that a penalty would have been awarded had the winger hit the deck – but he should not have had to.

The relevant law states a foul shall be called if a player trips or attempts to trip an opponent, but makes no mention of the victim needing to fall over.

In this instance, of course, Steve O’Reilly had a valid case for playing the advantage. But, in general, while officials repeatedly and resolutely refuse to whistle unless assailed players tumble, it is no wonder they tend to make the most of any contact.

Aluko should be praised for his honour but, sadly, in future he will enter the area like Monte Barrett does the boxing ring – face first.

It would to be harsh to blame the man who has either scored or provided five of Aberdeen’s last six goals for the dropped points – as the coaching staff appeared to.

Particularly if his only crime is being honest to a fault, and particularly when the buck-passing bench-dwellers bore more culpability.

This was the fourth consecutive visit to Leith in which the Dons have led – and they have won none of them. When Hibs start throwing the kitchen sink, Aberdeen’s composure goes down the plughole.

Last August, the Reds similarly shed a two-goal lead to glean a single point.

Aluko’s ears will have been bashed in the dressing-room. He won’t get away with repeating his “mistake”.

Some, it seems, get more leeway.

Chris Crighton is editor of Dons fanzine The Red Final