After having picked up his eighth booking of the current campaign, Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker has blasted the Premier League's diving culture.

The England Under-21 captain was cautioned yet again during Villa's 4-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday - he has also been sent off once this season - but he feels it is the prevalence of playacting in the top flight, rather than overly aggressive play, that has led to his high card count.

He told his club's official website: "Players are getting booked for nothing. It's not even a man's game at times. You can't really get physical any more.

"I thought football was a physical game but now, if you slightly touch a player, they go down and do 20 rolls and a back-flip to get you cautioned."

As a central midfielder, Reo-Coker's game relies on being tough in the tackle, but while he knows he is liable to pick up regular bookings, he refuses to change his style of play.

"The manager [Martin O'Neill] is helping me develop as a player," he continued. "He's making me think a lot more about my game. He wants me to develop my discipline, so I'm working on that.

"I'm used to getting bookings. It happens in games when you play where I play in the middle and I won't be changing my overall approach to the game. But I try to take on board what the manager is saying.

"I'll continue to be very passionate and committed but I think there are a lot more theatrical falls now and that's killing the game.

Have your say!

The debate over diving has raged amongst fans for some time now, but players' views on the subject are rarely heard. Only a handful of players have spoken out about playacting, but should the authorities now use Reo-Coker's moan as a catalyst to finally stamp out the dark art of diving? Or do we simply have to accept that it is a part of the modern game - indeed a skilful craft that can be the difference between winning and losing?

Post your thoughts on our message board by clicking on the link below the photo!

Eurosport