Men footballers play act more than women do, say scientists
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| Photo: Reuters |
A study found men take 30 seconds longer than women to get up after they've been fouled.
Players such as Cristiano Ronaldo - known for spending as much time writhing on the floor in apparent agony as he is for his dazzling skills - play-act because they crave attention.
Sports scientist Professor Martin Lames, who conducted the study in Munich, said: "Men's football generally pulls in more spectators and receives greater media coverage.
"For men, the thought of taking centre-stage is much more pronounced than for women, where the game itself is paramount."
Fellow researcher Malte Siegle added: "Men also use interruptions tactically. When they are in the lead, players take their time with injuries. Much more so than if the score is even, or when the other side is leading.
"This behaviour is not observed in women's football."
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