Says Luxemburgo: Diving is part of football

Fluminense coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo has declared that simulation is a standard feature of modern football, refusing to condemn players who are guilty of diving.

Luxemburgo saw his side reduced to ten men whilst trailing 1-0 against Gremio on Saturday, with forward Biro Biro dismissed after picking up a second booking for diving with 28 minutes to go.

The hosts only managed rescuing a point thanks to Rafael Sobis 90th-minute strike, which canceled out Bressan's first-half effort, but Luxermburgo insists he will not blame the 18-year-old for his red card.

Biro's expulsion was not because of the dive, the former Brazil and Real Madrid boss told journalists after the game.

The first yellow was unnecessary. Simulation the part of the game of football. If Biro deserved to go or not is for others to decide.

Luxemburgo's comments follow those of Barcelona midfileder Sergio Busquets, who earlier this week told radio station Cadena COPE that he saw diving as being smart rather than play-acting.