(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)
By Alex Beard
Carlisle United striker Shaun Miller has become the first player to be charged by the FA under new simulation laws that were introduced in May.
The 30-year-old went down in the penalty area under a challenge by Wycombe defender Dan Scarr in a League Two game on Tuesday, the spot-kick being subsequently converted and the match ending in a 3-3 draw.
Miller has now been charged by the FA with ‘successful deception of a match official' having committed what is being referred to as a ‘clear act of simulation'.
If the charge is either accepted by the player or proven by an independent panel, then Miller will be handed a two match ban.
A statement from the FA regarding the incident said: “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.”
The FA's new diving laws have been in place in English football throughout this season, however, Miller looks set to be the first player to receive a suspension stemming from the new laws.
Only incidents where a player wins a penalty or an opposition player is sent off – either for two yellows or a straight red card – are punished by the panel.
Miller has until six o'clock today to appeal the charge.
