Can someone explain to me why we kick the ball out when the other team's player gets hurt? I know it's a sign of sportsmanship and all and normally I wouldn't have a problem with that, but with all the fake injuries that stop play, I just don't see why it occurs. I think at the professional levels a player should not kick it out. If your teammates get hurt, you better fight to get the ball and kick it out yourself. I think it would be a better way of ensuring no more dives and fake injuries and also the ref having to subjectively issue yellow cards. In America, we don't expect the other team to stop play for an injured player, so my mentality to the whole thing is maybe different.I believe in sportmanship, but it doesn't make much sense to do something honorable and sincere for someone who's faking it. Hoping to get some more non-American insight. Thoughts?
I don't know, I've always kind of enjoyed that aspect of the game. It seems there isn't as much sportsmanship in any other sport (at least in the U.S.). I don't think players do it for the safety of the downed player, but more for pride. If they were to score while the other team was down a man, it would "cheapen" the goal. And besides, the team with the injured player gives the ball back after the throw-in.
I like the idea of not having to kick the ball out. It's a physical game, people will get hurt. Sure, if people end up with blood pouring out of an open wound or not out cold then kick the ball out, but when someone goes over after a sliding challenge which won the ball and stays down they should wait. The majority get up when they realise they haven't won anything anyway.
