Very often, football is criticized because of the numerous simulations of its practitioners. Even (and especially) at the highest level, despite the presence of cameras everywhere which could dissuade them. And in the register of simulations, Yannick Ferreira Carrasco reached heights two days ago, during the clash which opposed his new club, Al-Shabab, to the leader of the Saudi championship, Al-Hilal, where a certain Neymar plays in particular.
A match won by Al-Hilal (2-0), but the main event took place at the end of stoppage time in the first period, when the score was still goalless. On an innocuous action ending with a ball in touch, one of Ferreira Carrasco’s opponents took the ball to send it at the Belgian. Without putting any force or violence into it. The sphere then bounced off the chest of the former Monaco and Atlético Madrid player. With an unexpected effect to say the least…
Indeed, due to the force of a balloon propelled at perhaps 5km/h on his torso, the Belgian collapsed to the ground. As if he had just been the victim of a terrible attack, holding his head in his hands, a sign of intense suffering. A simulation so grotesque that it would make you laugh, except for the player of Al Hilal, warned by a referee who was obviously very credulous and a good audience. And spoiler: Ferreira Carrasco is fine, and he played the entire second half. As for the image of football, obviously, it remains skillfully maintained by this type of comedy…