Theatrics That Will Cost You The Oscar: Top Ten Worst Dives In Football (Video)

For centuries, football has been renowned for its ability to bedazzle audiences with the flamboyant passing from one end to the other, the crafty one-two build up plays, the occasional bursts of individual brilliance and its spine-chilling atmosphere.

While dubbed as 'the beautiful game', the integrity of the sport continues to be questioned by FA's, managers, players and most of all the public.

As players particularly in modern football start to manipulate refereeing decisions deploying unscrupulous methods such as diving to get the call.

But who could you blame? It's part of their job to do everything possible for triumph, just not the way the opposing fans would appreciate.

This slide-show aims to name and shame those with mountains to climb before they get their acting career back on track, in fact, these ridiculous attempts place them among legitimate contenders for the annual Golden Razzies.

Honourable Mention: Dida Shows Why Interaction With Fans Can Be Deadly

Honourable Mention: Dida

Former AC Milan goalkeeper Dida was involved in an incident at Celtic Park following a Champions League defeat against the home side.

After Australian striker Scott MacDonald netted home the winner in stoppage time, a fan believed to be a former mixed martial arts champion galloped onto the pitch and cleanly knocked Dida out with a left hook before continuing his run.

Impressive, eh? Oh by the way, Dida exited the game on a stretcher holding an ice pack to his eye. 

However, judging from the instant replay and numerous analysis after the match is over, the only logical explanation would be that the unidentified attacker infused poisonous substances into Dida's neck causing the unfortunate aftermath.

This is just a satirical appetiser, here comes the ten worst dives ever seen in football history.  

10. Cesc Fabregas' Unorthodox Way Of Drawing Foul

As much as I hate to admit it (being an Arsenal fan myself), this surely has to be one of the most disgraceful dives ever if that was what Cesc had intended there.

When being chased down by a defender who matches you physically, the spontaneous reaction for the dribbler nearing the penalty box is to go down.

This is a rather amusing method chosen by Fabregas who deliberately kicks himself on the calf before falling thus leaving Mikel Arteta and the referee dumbfounded.  

From a Gooners' perspective, this could be argued that Cesc simply lost his balance whilst being pressured by two sandwiching defenders, but behind the critical lens of the general public, this was a blatant attempt at diving.   

9. Steven Taylor Gets In Position But Ultimately Shot By a Sniper

Cardinal error made here by Newcastle defender Steven Taylor: pretending to be severely hurt after a flagrant breach of rule. 

Trying to draw empathy from the referee following an illegal obstruction to a goal results in marching orders for the defender.

This dive may not be considered to be on par with some of the theatrics coming up, it shows the variety of cunning stunts players have got prepared under their sleeves these days. An absolute shame.      

8. Dider Drogba Concussed After Heading The Ball Under Pressure

Who would've ever thought that Didier Drogba, one of the most physically imposing players in the world can be briefly knocked out by a little chest bump from Daniel Agger and the ball.

The Kops are understandably furious with the Ivorian who had already tormented Liverpool over the years with the deft touches and thundering strikes, a plunge of this fashion propels their hatred to a whole new level.   

7. Knut Fostervold Gets His Timing Absolutely Wrong

Former Grimsby defender Knut Fostervold deserves major recognition for his effort, courage and most importantly the timing in order to have the offender punished. John Carew later ridiculed the attempt after celebrating a goal in similar fashion.

After being hit in the face, the Molde FK player abruptly launches himself to the ground emphatically...five seconds after initial contact.  

6. David N'gog With No Intention Of Playing The Ball Inside the Area

Liverpool Striker David N'gog actually avoids the tackle from Birmingham midfielder Lee Carsley but still gets to the ground in attempt to win a penalty. 

“I was absolutely nowhere near him,” an enraged Carsley said. “It’s a joke. I’m sure he [Ngog] has got a family, well, if I went home having done that, I’d be embarrassed." 

5. Cristiano Ronaldo Dives, Those Words Sound Familiar

The referee gets the decision spot on and Ronaldo doesn't seem to complain much either. I would be furious if the defender clips me at edge of the box and yet still receive a booking.

The commentator's statements further illustrates how the integrity of the sport is slowly falling apart and manipulated on the biggest stages by one of the best players ever.  

4. El-Hadji Diouf Successfully Gets Fouled

This is what the ex-Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce had to say in post match interview: “He’s been doing it all his life.”

I'm sure what infuriates the crowd and Lucas Neill is the referee's inability to spot Diouf's late reaction as the ball steered away from him for goal kick.

Diouf could've been sent off on another day diving in the six-yard box; instead, he wins a penalty that should never have been given. 

3. You Never Know How Dubious Referees Can Be

During a youth game between ATL Junior and America, the unknown player epitomises the definition of  a dive in football and that referees should really be tested by the optometrist/oculist before taking charge of a match.  

2. Alberto Gilardino Shows Things Go South When The Wind Is Strong

Alberto Gilardino defies laws of physics and Isaac Newton's principle. Isn't there only meant to be an equal and opposite reaction when there's a leading action?

Gilardino goes to the ground as if pulled upon by an invisible force. What he didn't know was that he was miles ahead of the defender when he goes to the ground. 

1. Morten Gamst Pedersen Hasn't Been Paying Attention to Diouf and Ronaldo

This is a hilariously pathetic attempt from the Blackburn man. Even Match of the Day host Gary Lineker couldn't conceive his ridicule of the player.

Morten Gamst Pedersen, after been put in a through ball didn't have the pace to track it down inside the box, instead turns around to check where Sagna is, if there is one then thrusts his body onto the turf at least three metres ahead.

What's more amusing is the expression on his face after Phil Dowd played the game on, simply priceless.

Remember Morten, no matter how quick you disguise your attempt, video replay shows it to millions of viewers worldwide at the rate of 10 times slower.

Maybe when the opportunity comes to be under the tutelage of veterans such as El-Hadji or Cristiano, you could learn that they don't look over their shoulders before getting 'fouled.'