Quote:
Referees' chief Keith Hackett has praised Cristiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba for cutting diving out of their games.
The Manchester United winger and Chelsea striker have been criticised in the past for failing to stay on their feet and Hackett went as far as to say the pair used to be "serial offenders".
However, both players enjoyed their best seasons in England last term and Hackett believes the improved form was helped by them not diving.
"Ronaldo and Drogba were serial offenders," he said in The Guardian. "Now I've seen enough to know they've stopped doing it.
"I also believe their performances have improved dramatically because of this."
Ronaldo and Drogba are not the only players to have cut out diving, with Hackett saying overall that things have improved.
The head of referees credits a dressing room poster campaign which was introduced prior to the start of last season for the decrease in diving.
"There is no doubt in my mind that the campaign has worked and that there has been a marked decrease in diving," Hackett added.
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Drogba still goes down like he's been shot every time someone touches him!!
I'm not saying Ronaldo doesn't do it, but the way he runs at defenders invites rash challenges which more often than not will bring him down.
Drogba is a very big, powerful guy who falls over like an infant at the slightest of challenges...