RIO DE JANEIRO: Arjen Robben defended his admission of diving during Holland’s last 16 victory over Mexico as FIFA confirmed he would not be punished for the remarks.
Robben, who won a match-winning penalty as the Dutch downed Mexico 2-1 on Sunday, whipped up a storm of controversy after later telling Dutch television he had dived in an earlier incident.
The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) hit out at the way Robben’s comments had been reported, insisting he had been misinterpreted.
But speaking a few hours after FIFA confirmed he would face no disciplinary action over the comments, Robben admitted he had made “one stupid action.”
Asked for his reaction to the furore, Robben told reporters: “It’s a shame because I was very honest. “Sometimes honesty is punished. I prefer honesty.
“During the first half, there was a foul, I went to the ground because I thought he would tackle but then he removed his leg.
“It’s a pity because people forget a great performance by the entire team. And that’s the main thing. Sometimes I am honest. I apologise but that’s football.”
FIFA earlier ruled out any retrospective actions.AFP
