AC Milan's Dida is stretchered off following his 'simulation' antics at Celtic Park in Glasgow. Photo / Reuters
AC Milan keeper Dida must face a lengthy ban after his appalling histrionics following a gentle caress from a Celtic fan in the dying moments of the Chamions League match.
His behaviour is symptomatic of a cancer in the game that football's governing bodies have time and again
promised to stamp out - "simulation".
I have a problem with that term in itself. Simulation suggests something creative; a skilled facsimile of the truth. In actual fact it's the polar opposite. Let's call it what it is. Cheating.
And on this occasion Dida has been well and truly caught out.
When the 34-year-old was hit by a flare rocket two seasons ago, he was strechered off and the tie was awarded 5-0 to AC Milan.
Losing 2-1 in the final moments, and knowing he was to blame, there can be little doubt that Dida's mind reflected briefy on that before he collapsed clutching his face. What was even worse was to see him begin to chase the fan before going down like he'd been snipered.
UEFA is investigating and the punishment must send a message that this will not be tolerated.
Eric Cantona was banned for nine months for a karate-style attack on a fan as he left the Mancheter United pitch.
What's worse? A moment of total madness in the heat of raw football passion (from one of the most passionate men ever to have played the game) or a cold, calculated attempt to win a game by cheating.
Celtic themseves will be punished and deservedly so.
The fan has been banned for life and, athough his performance was nothing more than stupid hi-jinks, it's hard not to see that as a fair outcome. It sends a message to all football fans that raiding the pitch is not acceptable.
Dida's performance was malicious and cynical and justice dictates he also faces a ban.
