Agartala: The sky rocketing price hike not only affecting the common people, but it has indeed cast a shadow over the future of idol makers in the state.
Although order for idol supply is coming as usual, increase in cost of raw materials, high-rate labour charge and lack of space has emerged a major cause of concern for the local clay artisans.
In an interview with The Shillong Times, Chandan Biswas, the owner of Chandan Studio of Gangail Road said that he received order of 17 Durga idols for the season. The cost of idols varies from Rs.10,000 to Rs.60,000. “But it appears the profit margin against each idol may not cross Rs. 2500”, he said.
Explaining the causes of less profit, Chandan who adopted the profession by a passion said that relentless increase in the cost of raw materials including clay , straw , bamboo , wood caused less profit have been contributing to the dwindling profit.
On being asking about impact on the industry after ‘importing’ of clay artisans from West Bengal, he said that the local artisans became gainer from the healthy competition. However, the number of orders has reduced due to their footfall in local industry. “As the Centre has given green signal allowing FDI in multigrain retail, skilled clay artisans from outside the state are bound to gain”, he smiled.
Pratap Paul, owner of Laxminarayan Studio echoed the same voiced saying they are traditionally making idols at their own studio during last 70 years.
Besides, they can not take more idols due to lack of space require for keeping the idols . He appealed the state government to provide space for clay artisans and arrange soft loan for the clay artisans . He also apprehended that they might have to change the business due to lack of space in the years to come. However he mentioned that they had taken order of 10 Durga idols and maintain better profit margin due to less number of labour.
Gouranga Rudra Paul, another clay artisan at Battala said that cost of materials has increased significantly giving a tough time to clay artisans.
Guwahati: A ten-day festival of books and literature, Guwahati Literary Festival and Book Fair 2012, commenced in Assam’s main city Guwahati on Tuesday.
Promising to be a meeting ground of writers and readers from within and outside the state, the Festival has been organised by the state’s Prakashan Parishad.
Inaugurating the fair, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said, “We have to inculcate reading habit by organising book fair in places where literacy percentage is abysmally low.”
Underscoring the need for spreading the light of knowledge, Mr Gogoi said, “Organising book fair in the nook and corner of the State, especially in remote areas is the best way to inculcate reading habit among the people to make the society knowledgeable.”
The chief minister said a vibrant and resilient society could be created through literary and cultural activities.
The Chief Minister urged the writers to play a pro-active role in bringing about a congenial atmosphere in the State and refrain from penning anything that escalates tension in society.
“You have the right to freedom of expression but you must do it with social responsibility. It should not create ill feelings and lead to aggravation of the situation,” he added.
The Chief Minister pointed out that Prakashan Parishad must translate the rich literary works of different communities into different languages.
Addressing the function, state Minister for Education and Chairman, Prakashan Parishad, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma said the Parishad that has been organising the book fair since 1984 with few breaks in between.
They also added new features to the book fair by introducing the Literary Festival this year and holding competition for the best college magazine judged by the literary luminaries.
Dr Sarma said the Parishad would give away scholarships for purely 100 research works on art and culture soon.
Accepting the Lifetime Literary Award 2012 from the Chief Minister, eminent litterateur Dr. Lakshminanda Bora, in his acceptance speech, said, “I am elated to receive the award conferred upon me. I never consider myself to be a writer and my contribution pales into insignificance when compared to the galaxy of great literary luminaries the world has ever produced.”
Dr Bora said though there has been a proliferation of electronic gadgets and a boom in electronic media, the impact of the printed word would in no way lessen.
“The impact of the printed word would last forever,” Bora added. (Agencies)
The tourism sector of India needs no introduction. “Incredible India” has a tourism industry plagued by severe worker shortage, insufficient accommodation, unclean rooms and food problems. Many places in the interior of the country are not well connected by proper roads, railways or airways. To add to the list of failure, excessive bureaucracy also delays new hostels and transportation projects.
The recent celebrations of ‘World Tourism Day’ in Meghalaya on September 27 is only another means of humiliating oneself, mocking tourists and insulting capabilities. In the Mukul Sangma regime, development is limited to ‘basins’ and ‘fishes’ and celebrating ‘anti-tourism’ day could be the best form of acknowledging the hands down degraded scenario we have in the offing.
It’s about time that the Google links to Shillong be updated. The lure offered by tags like ‘Abode of the clouds’, ‘Being one with nature’, ‘Scotland of the East’ and not to forget the ‘Rock capital of India’ are as old as the existence of the Mughal Dynasty and even remnants of the same are hard to come by.
Misleading the tourists coming in to Shillong, misusing allocations and shying away from responsibilities have been the sad trademarks of the departments who could have taken Shillong to another level. With a state blessed with natural beauty and terrific climate, working in tandem with nature has every result directed towards success and overall development.
We talk about being discriminated and ignored in the hands of outsiders and even our very own centre, but did we ever make an effort to bring about a change? The tourism sector with a potential of putting Meghalaya on the world map is in ruins. No questions ever asked has plummeted the State to shambles.
Starting from entering the State to taking a walk around, the journey to Shillong becomes memorable in every wrong way possible. Scenes, situations and epic events that makes Shillong a ‘must-try-before-you-die’ adventure for the only reason that there is so much degradation to offer.
The entry to the State is no less adventurous. With the recent self styled NGO commandoes taking a hell bent stand of curbing the influx issue, tourists are welcomed in the traditional way of being made to stand in a line while they are frisked and have their documents validated by the ‘filtering unit’ of Meghalaya.
The experience is pretty exciting when you feel like you are in some middle eastern country ravaged by war and every individual is scanned inside out before entry.
If only the Government could come up with some permanent solution regarding influx, we could think of welcoming tourists perhaps with kwai and drumbeats! Well, a brochure would be a magnificent addition.
Provided a tourist manages to clear the ‘analyzer test’ at the self made check gates; the ‘journey to hell’ takes off. The roller coaster ride with Sumos racing and evading ‘mid-road’ holes at the back drop of massive deforestation is just an appetizer.
The view is neither breathtaking not spine chilling but the road condition ensures that neither spines remain in place not a comfortable breath be taken!
Half way into the journey, the Tourism Department shows its first signs of ‘efficiency’! The lack of a decent affordable place to grab a bite or relieve oneself sans the welcoming stench and onslaught of flies is the first gift for a weary traveler. Behold! There are lots in store.
The Tourism department like any other ‘failure’ in the State work year round but the outcome are interestingly invisible.
From transportation to accommodation, from food to ‘sigh’-seeing (not sight-seeing), its impact is negligible and efforts ignorable! Promotion is a word that hardly exists.
The first thing is a place of stay and the department sponsored housing facilities are a mess in itself. Either you have to lie down in a cozy bed shelling out huge amounts of cash or cramp yourself in a shabby hotel or a room in some unknown lane! Well how many tourists are fortunate enough to know a state figure who arranges accommodation in Tripura Castle.Congratulations Department of Tourism…this is a great head start!
What follows next are a sequence of events that can only be handled well provided the tourist is another Mr Bean who can accustom or improvise himself in any situation with the simple shrugging of the shoulders and “aah bea bea!”.
The city view for the tourist will surely earn Shillong the new name of ‘Scrapland of the East’.
Incomplete ‘beautification’ projects lagging for years coupled with dysfunctional fountains, missing street lights, broken footpath railings guarding the already broken paths, ‘open hearted’ garbage disposal and our very own bumpy rides thanks to the ‘insufficiently-funded’ departments have honestly shown that this sector of tourism just cannot be handled, neither by the Tourism department nor the Chief Minister sitting at the recluse of his cabin or laying the foundation stone for another project which will take a decade to near completion.
The list of failure is just an addition to the standards that are proudly displayed. Which tourist will love to be a part of such a stagnant infrastructure? Even if a tourist manages to ignore the way the city looks and gets into a stuffed taxi (for we fail to have proper tourist ferrying vehicles), the stop at tourist spots is no less memorable.
The only tourist destinations within the city walls have nothing to offer, forget about the farfetched interior waterfalls like the stunning Kynrem falls which are nearly forgotten. What stands amusing here is the fact that most of the scenic waterfalls have no road connectivity. It has become a fad to hire a tourist vehicle and visit some pre defined spots planned by the driver.
Broken cages with poverty stricken animals that are meant to serve the visual needs of being entertained together with a relatively clean ‘flower garden’ in the Lady Hydari Park and a little collection of water with Rohu fishes and a dangerously old antique bridge is all that can be visited within city limits. Well a fountain was added in Khyndai Lad with some hope that it would add to the beauty but sadly it remains off half the year and can be easily neglected.
Well I suppose our narrow mindset might be a result of the words above. Who knows that the Tourism department might actually be working day and night to present the picture of “Hungry India…Poor India” to outsiders! Since we are still listed as a developing country, maybe these little efforts can be recognized. If not…please fake some shame for in reality you superseded it all!
Could this be the silver lining?
The State Government has initiated
several projects for development of tourist destinations and improvement of existing tourist spots across the State. Prominent among these are projects being implemented in the surroundings of the picturesque Umiam Lake in Ri Bhoi district, which also includes the Orchid Lake Resort.
As part of the initiative, the government is also planning to develop circuit tourism in various prominent tourist destinations of the state. Notably, works on some of these projects are progressing while for some, detailed estimations are being prepared.
Sources also informed that in Umiam, the Tourism Department has commenced construction of cottages, swimming pools and health clubs besides remodeling of the existing infrastructure at the Orchid Lake Resort. For this purpose, the Central Government has released an amount of Rs 231.32 lakh out of the total sanction of Rs 289.15 lakh.
Meanwhile, projects that are being implemented by the department in Tura include construction of wayside amenities, picnic spots and construction of additional resort at the existing Tura Orchid Lodge and the Centre has already released Rs 389.60 lakh out of the sanctioned amount at Rs 487 lakh for the same.
Circuit tourism is one of the major initiatives adopted by the state and the target is to provide all the basic amenities required by tourists ranging from wayside amenities, dhaba, boat house, cafeteria, swimming pools, guest house, kiosks, observatory tower, car parking and mush more.
The first project in this category would be implemented along the stretch from Byrnihat-Nongpoh-Sumer and Shillong. A similar project is being executed along the Mawkdok-Sohra route and the Centre has sanctioned Rs 674.15 lakh for these projects out of which Rs 576.59 lakh has already been released.
Similar projects are also being implemented in Williamnagar, Jakrem, Nartiang and Jowai for which the Centre has released an amount of Rs 640 lakh out of the total sanctioned amount of Rs 885 lakh.
Meanwhile, sources informed that there are three circuit tourism projects where the detailed estimations are still being prepared. Similar facilities which are covered under tourism circuit project will be implemented in the selected areas.
One of these projects is along the Mawphlang-Mawsynram-Lawbah-Balat and Ranikor route. The Centre has sanctioned Rs 368.89 lakh for the project with Rs 295.11 being released. The second is for Sohra which also includes the proposed setting up of Tourism Information Centre (TIC), convention centre, village inn besides other facilities.
The third project will cover the stretch from Pongtung-Pomshutia-Mawlynnong and Dawki. The Centre has released an amount of Rs 456.55 lakh out of the total Rs 570.69 lakh sanctioned.
Another project will be implemented along the stretch from Barengbara-Gasuapara-Rongara-Mahadeo upto Balpakram in Garo Hills. The total amount sanctioned for it is Rs 642.85 lakh and Rs 514.28 lakh has been released.
A project on the development of the stretch from Shillong-Mawryngkneng-Jowai-Khliehriat-Lumshnong-Sonapur and Ratacherra is also on the cards and the Centre has released Rs 487.23 of the total Rs 608.04 lakh sanctioned for it.
The Centre has also released Rs 430.58 for development of amenities along the Tura-Garobadha-Selsella-Bhaitbari-Phulbari and Tikrikilla stretch.
The last project is connected with development of tourism destinations at Resulbelpara in East Garo Hills and an amount of Rs 281.11 lakh has been sanctioned for this purpose. Out of the total amount, an amount of Rs 244.89 lakh has already been released. For further development of rural tourism, a project is being implemented in Sasatgre village. As part of the rural tourism project, the Union Government has also sanctioned Rs 23.95 lakh in capacity building and an amount of Rs 16 lakh has been released. (By Lamphrang Nongspung)
Six reasons why tourists would avoid Shillong
1. ENTRY LEVEL FUN
The sight of NGOs validating documents and publicly humiliating outsiders by making them stand in a line holding ears can be disturbing. No tourist would love to be a part of such an adventure. No wonder that the NGO stand is valid owing to the ignorant attitude of the Government in such an issue. To add to this, there are reports of police personnel asking for insignificant pollution certificates all of a sudden and scraping off huge sums in the pretext of understanding their dilemma!
2. MISSED MANAGEMENT
Why would a tourist come visit a place ruled by street thugs? The moment a tourist lands, a bunch of cabbies would swarm offering unheard prices for a ‘Shillong trip…Shillong Tour’. It is outrageous that they are still being allowed to function and that too in the main hub we call Police Bazaar. Security issues pose a concern. Tour arrangements with proper guide facilities are hard to find, even in the city.
3. NO ROOF…NO SHELTER
The lack of proper accommodation facilities can be a killer. Shillong offers no respect for families coming with a tight budget. You either stay in the comfort of cash in a jazz hotel or rot in the stench of poverty emitted from the little known lodging facilities. Lack of accommodation in hot spots is a shame. The routine remains the same every year…have your breakfast in city…visit the waterfalls…be home by dinner!
4. BUMPY RIDES
The ‘not-so-welcoming’ state of roads is what repels tourists and hosts alike! With every ride being nothing less than a sleepless experience, the highways and lanes are in a sad state of affairs. The condition now is such that there is no provision to evade a pot hole for the turning of the steering wheel only leads to another! To add to woes is the horrific traffic jam which has become a part of daily life.
5. NO SHOPPING ZONE
There is an absolute lack of price and quality control from the Government’s side. If you are thinking of carrying back mementoes, get some fat balance for even a single Khasi knife could ‘cut’ a deep hole in your wallet. The emporium or stalls can be best avoided. Though a failed attempt at removing the hawkers is being undertaken, they are the only best buy!
6. SHILLONGITES
This is more of an ‘inner’ disease. Facelift in the reverse order has surely tarnished the image of this hill station. With almost every individual spitting red juice, colouring zebra patterns with left over lime from their ‘kwai break’, the pavements have become colourful in a manner that can be labeled as displeasing. What adds to disgust is the washing away of these stains by the very own people ‘relieving’ themselves in every nook and corner in full public view.
(The author can be contacted at [email protected]. Old issues can be tracked at thehereticcorner.wordpress.com)
Pallekele: Lasith Malinga blew away the England top-order by dismissing three batsmen in a single over as Sri Lanka defeated the defending champions by 19 runs in their last Super Eights match to qualify for the semifinals of the World Twenty20 along with the West Indies, on Monday.
England needed to chase the 170-run target in less than 13 overs to qualify for the semis, but paceman Malinga’s performance (5/31) made it a lop-sided affair.
England ended 150 for nine through a fighting 67-run knock from Samit Patel and and his 51-run stand for the eighth wicket with Greame Swann (34).
Sri Lanka’s win pushed England out of the tournament since they had just one win from three Super Eights matches in Group I while the Caribbean side had two.
None of the Sri Lanka batsmen played a big knock but they rode on a collective effort to reach a competitive 169 for six.
Mahela Jayawardene (42) and Angelo Mathews (28) got good starts but could not convert those into big innings after the hosts were sent in to bat.
Thisara Perera (25 not out) and Lahiru Thirimanne (13) blasted some big shots towards the end to lift the side to a fighting total.
But Malinga’s sensational over – the third of the innings – in which he scalped Luke Wright (13), Jonny Bairstow (2) and Alex Hales (3), took it away from England.
Malinga added the wickets of Jos Buttler and Patel later in the innings while spinner Akila Dananjaya contributed in the win of his side by dismissing Eoin Morgan and Stuart Broad.
Interestingly, Kumar Sangakkara led Sri Lanka in place of regular skipper Jayawardene. Sangakkara explained, in the post-match presentation ceremony, that this was because both Jaywardene and vice-captain Mathews are carrying warnings from previous matches due to slow over-rates; a captain can be banned if his side are guilty of the offence twice in a year.
“Lasith is unbelievable, both with the new ball or the old. All-in-all, it was a fantastic performance. It would be fantastic if we can win the tournament, we’ve got to keep our feet on the ground and see what comes,” Sangakkara added of his team’s performance.
“The guys tried really hard. We had quite an inexperienced side, so we want them to have learned from this,” England skipper Stuart Broad said. Losing three wickets in an over hurt quite a bit, we probably could have played Malinga a bit better.” (PTI)
Pallekele: A spirited West Indies kept alive their semifinal hopes after pulling off a sensational win over New Zealand via a super over in their final Super Eights match of the World T20 here on Monday.
Needing 18 to win in the one over eliminator, West Indies rode on Chris Gayle and Marlon’s Samuels pyrotechnics to finish the game with a ball to spare after both teams finished on 139 in regulation time.
While Gayle started the chase in the super over with a huge six over long-off off a no ball by Tim Southee, Samuels completed the job with a maximum over deep mid-wicket.
With three losses from as many games, New Zealand have crashed out of the tournament. On the other hand, West Indies are through after Sri Lanka beat England in the evening match.
The game went into the eliminator after the Kiwis made heavy weather of a modest 140-run chase.
Ross Taylor, who gave New Zealand hope with his aggressive batting in the super over, played a captain’s knock, but his unbeaten 62 went in vain as chasing 140, New Zealand managed 139 for seven in their alloted 20 overs.
“It was a great fight-back and I am very happy at that,” said Windies skipper Darren Sammy, who called Samuels his “go-to man.”
His opposite number, Taylor, said, “We probably should have won it in normal time.
“Credit to West Indies, to score 18 of five balls is pretty awesome.
Colombo: Their campaign is back on track after the morale-boosting win over Pakistan but India can hardly afford to relax as they take on an erratic but still intimidating South Africa in their final Super Eights match on Tuesday for a place in the semifinals of the World Twenty20 here.
The fight for the second semifinal slot from Group 2 is intriguingly poised as both India and Pakistan have a fair chance of making the cut, although Australia seem to be favourites at the moment.
MS Dhoni admitted that devising a strategy without knowing the result of the Australia versus Pakistan game will be foolhardy.
In case Pakistan (-0.426), who are a shade better than India (-0.452) in terms of net run-rate happen to win against Australia, Dhoni and his men will then have to win comprehensively against the South Africans in order to make it to the last four.
If Australia maintain a clean slate in the Super Eights by beating Pakistan, the equation will be a lot easier for India as a win will be good enough. Even in case of a defeat against South Africa, India should ensure that they don’t lose by a big margin as the net run rate will come into play with three teams tied with one win each.
South Africa have lost both their matches in contrasting manners and AB de Villiers will now want his team to end the tournament on a respectable note and think of an outside chance of qualifying, although their poor net run-rate might prove to be a deterrent. (PTI)
SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Taekwondo Association has provided a supplementary list of medal-winners at the 1st North East Zone Taekwondo Championship, which concluded on Saturday.
Besides the three medal-winners from Meghalaya mentioned in Monday’s edition – Sehkhongam, Dil Kumari Thapa and Bronson Vai Ranglong – there were other participants from the state who bagged a medal in the tournament.
These include Themreichan Ningshen (silver, junior girls, under-44kg category), WS Momochand Anal (bronze, senior male, under-68kg) and Prakash Dewan (gold, junior boys, under-48kg).
In the Poomsae events, Themricha took bronze in the over-17 years female category, while Hijam Jone Salo Rihuno won silver in the over-29 female category.
Overall, the Poomsae events were won by Sikkim, with Mizoram just behind.
Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo hit a hat-trick as Real Madrid kept on the trail of leaders Barcelona with a 5-1 rout of Deportivo La Coruna.
The visitors took a shock lead after 15 minutes through Riki on Sunday, but Madrid quickly bounced back with Ronaldo hitting his first from the penalty spot after Angel Di Maria was felled.
It was Di Maria himself who put his team ahead and then Ronaldo got his second shortly before the break.
With Madrid controlling the game Pepe headed home and Ronaldo scored another penalty in the second half to complete the rout and remain eight points behind Barcelona who beat Sevilla 3-2 on Saturday.
While Barca have won all six of their opening games, Madrid made a stuttering start but will now go into next weekend’s El Clasico with back-to-back wins and Ronaldo hitting form.
“We know that it is going to be difficult against Barcelona and we are away from home but we have to be concentrated and confident that we can win there. We will go out to win,” said Ronaldo.
“We didn’t start with the right mentality against Deportivo but after we went 1-0 down we made a good comeback. We are doing okay but we know that we cannot afford to drop any more points.”
Deportivo coach Jose Luis Oltra admitted that it was a poor performance.
“We didn’t even deserve to go 1-0 in front as we had done nothing up to then,” he said.
“We have to pick ourselves up now and correct the errors but I don’t think it will affect us badly the size of the scoreline.”
Di Maria was lively in attack and seemed the most likely to offer a response.
He chipped over the crossbar from a tight angle and then won a penalty after being pulled down by Manuel Pablo which was dispatched by Ronaldo.
It was Di Maria who then put Madrid ahead with a clinical finish inside the area after a fine through ball from Modric.
While his big rival at Barcelona Lionel Messi has continued his blistering form this season, it has not been the same for Ronaldo who has not reached his usual standards.
Sergio Ramos’ shot was well saved by Aranzubia and Ronaldo was the first to react as he dived in to head the ball over the line.
Pepe headed in an Alonso free-kick after 65 minutes and then Ronaldo got his third of the night again from the penalty spot after a handball by Evaldo Santos.
In other matches, Atletico Madrid won their fifth league game in succession as a Raul Garcia header gave them a 1-0 victory over Espanyol.
The in-form midfielder struck after 30 minutes and it means that Atletico have not dropped a single point since their opening day draw with Levante, but the situation is getting desperate for Espanyol, who have just one point so far.
Earlier Valladolid demolished Rayo Valladolid 6-1, Osasuna made easy work of Levante with a 4-0 victory while Granada came out on top 2-1 against Celta Vigo. (AFP)
LONDON: Chelsea coach Roberto Di Matteo will have to address his side’s shortcomings on the road in Europe on Tuesday with the Londoners unable to afford a slipup against Nordsjaelland, a team new to rubbing shoulders with the continent’s elite.
The Londoners will be expected to win against the Champions League newcomers in Copenhagen after throwing away a two-goal lead to draw their opening Group E game at home to Juventus.
Chelsea have never lost to a Danish team and have won on all three visits made to Denmark, but they have won only one of their last seven away games in the competition.
Chelsea became Champions League winners for the first time last season despite not winning an away game in the group stage.
Sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League and full of confidence after a London derby win over Arsenal on Saturday, Chelsea appear to be benefitting from a settled and happy Fernando Torres.
The Spanish striker, whose career in England with Liverpool and Chelsea has mixed highs with lows, said he was brimming with confidence.
“I had a very difficult beginning at Chelsea but that is in the past now, and I am enjoying the present with a great group of players and we are building a big team,” he told Chelsea’s website.
Captain John Terry, praised by Di Matteo for his contribution and leadership qualities against Arsenal, could step aside with Gary Cahill partnering David Luiz in the centre of defence. (Reuters)
LONDON: Manchester City’s Argentine striker Sergio Aguero has accused English referees of bias against foreign players in Premier League matches.
Aguero, who scored his first goal of the season to equalise against Fulham in City’s 2-1 victory over the London side on Saturday, said home referees treated foreign players differently and were more likely to ignore them on penalty appeals.
He also said foreign players were more likely to be punished for penalties that should not be given against them.
His compatriots Pablo Zabaleta and Carlos Tevez both had penalty appeals turned down and asked by reporters after the match if foreign players had it tougher than English players, he said: “Yes, always. It happens everywhere.
“Here in England, there are almost as many foreign players as English players and it’s not right that some have a privilege that others don’t.
“There is a little bit of privilege with players who come from that country, but that is normal.”
Saturday’s goal was the first for Aguero since his injury-time winner against Queens Park Rangers in the final match of last season clinched the title for City.
And Aguero’s views on Saturday’s events, echoed those of Mancini, who was unhappy Fulham were awarded a penalty in the 10th minute when Zabaleta was harshly adjudged to have tripped Fulham’s John Arne Riise.
Mancini claimed the penalty decision by referee Mark Halsey was the latest bad one given against them this season.
“The penalty was not a penalty, I don’t know why it was given,” Mancini said. “We have been unlucky for three or four weeks when we have deserved to win.”
There were other incidents involving foreign players that caused concern on Saturday.
Chelsea’s Brazilian defender David Luiz was booked for diving at Arsenal, but the Gunners’ English defender Carl Jenkinson, who committed an even more blatant dive than Luiz, escaped a booking.
Former Premier League referee Graham Poll, writing in a newspaper column, also highlighted the problems now facing Uruguayan Luis Suarez, who scored a hat-trick in Liverpool’s 5-2 win at Norwich.
Suarez has a reputation for diving after being booked thrice for ‘simulation’ since last season, but Poll believes he was now paying the price for that and was not being properly protected by referees.
“After all the mischief (he) has created on the football pitch, it is difficult to see him in the role of victim,” Poll wrote.
“But that’s exactly what has happened… The Uruguay striker has earned a reputation for diving which is now resulting in him being deprived of spot kicks. (Reuters)
