Shaun Miller becomes first player to be retrospectively suspended for diving

Shaun Miller, the Carlisle United striker, has become the first player to be retrospectively punished for diving, under the new Football Association charge of “successful deception of a match official”.

Carlisle were awarded a first-half penalty against Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday after the former Crewe Alexandra and Morecambe fell under the challenge of Dan Scarr in the area. The spot-kick was scored by Jamie Devitt and the match ended in a 3-3 draw. Miller has been given a two-match suspension after the FA upheld the charge following the club’s unsuccessful appeal.

“Carlisle United’s Shaun Miller will serve a two-match suspension with immediate effect, becoming the first player to be punished for the new FA charge of successful deception of a match official,” read a FA statement, released on Friday. “It was alleged that his behaviour in the 35th minute of Carlisle’s game against Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday 17 October 2017, in committing a clear act of simulation which led to a penalty being awarded, amounted to improper conduct.

“He denied the charge, which was issued yesterday (Thursday 19 October). However, it was found proven following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today (Friday 20 October). Incidents which suggest a match official has been deceived by an act of simulation are referred to a panel consisting of one ex-match official, one ex-manager and one ex-player.

“Each panel member will be asked to review all available video footage independently of one another to determine whether they consider it was an offence of successful deception of a match official. Only in circumstances where the panel are unanimous would The FA issue a charge.”