Arjen Robben feels he continues to be punished for World Cup dive
Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben believes he is still being punished for diving to win a penalty during the World Cup this summer.
The Dutchman threw himself down to procure a penalty for Holland in their 2-1 win over Mexico in Brazil, but he says he is now paying the price with referees reluctant to whistle for fouls against him.
He felt he was fouled in the penalty area by Daniel Halfar in Bayern's 2-0 win over Cologne on Saturday, but no whistle was forthcoming.
"I made a mistake at the World Cup and I owned up to it, but now it seems like I am being punished for it," Robben told Sky television in Germany.
"You've always got to be able to look yourself in the mirror and I can do that today - it was a clear penalty and the referee didn't give it.
"I've just got to accept it. It's probably going to happen quite often this season."
Fortunately for Robben and Bayern, the referee's decision did not cost them anything other than potentially a third goal at the Mungersdorferstadion.
The win took them two points clear at the top of the Bundesliga after six rounds of matches.