Diving offences have tumbled this season, despite Ashley Young and Ramires offences, say referees

All fall down: Ashley Young tumbles easily at Old Trafford under a challenge from Kagisho Dikgacoi, earning a penalty for Manchester United and the Crystal Palace player’s dismissal for two yellow cards (Reuters)

Premier League referees believe they are winning the battle against players diving, with incidents down to six this season from 19 at the same stage last year.

All games are reviewed by the Professional Games Match Officials organisation for simulation incidents, whether or not these are punished. The drop comes in spite of high-profile incidents involving Ashley Young and Ramires.

Mike Riley, head of PGMO, said: “We should be proud it’s not an accepted part of our game. Players say it is not acceptable. Supporters say it is not acceptable. There is a moral imperative on players not to get involved in it.”