Robben has apologized for diving during Netherlands’ match against Mexico, though has insisted that the challenge on him which resulted in a penalty was a foul.
Speaking after the match to Dutch television channel NOS, Robben said: “The one at the end was a penalty, I was fouled. At the same time I have to apologise in the first half I took a dive and I really shouldn’t do that. That was a stupid, stupid thing to do but sometimes you’re expecting to be struck and then they pull their leg away at the last minute.”
However, Mexico coach Miguel Herrera accused Robben of diving three times during the match, insisting that the winger should have been cautioned by the referee for his theatrics.
Herrera said: “Robben did three dives and he should have been cautioned. You should caution a guy who is trying to cheat and then if Robben did it again he would be sent off.” He also said that he believed Mexico had been the victims of poor refereeing through the tournament, saying: “Out of the four matches here, in all of them the refereeing was disastrou. Robben did three dives and he should have been cautioned. You should caution a guy who is trying to cheat, and then if Robben did it again he would be sent off. And why did Fifa choose a referee from the same confederation as Holland instead of one from South America, Asia or Africa?
“The doubtful decisions were always against us. We have to say it in capital letters, in three matches we had horrible refereeing. The man with the whistle knocked us. I want the referee committee to take a look and that the referee goes home just like us.”
Despite Netherlands being the firm favourites heading into the match, Mexico put up a terrific fight which led to Robben & co. putting in a last-ditch effort to secure a 2-1 victory, though Robben’s “dive” has led to the validity of Netherlands’ win being heavily debated.
Photo: Getty Images
