A statistical investigation as part of Snickers’ ‘Off Your Game’ campaign has seen Bristol Rovers rank top in an unwanted chart

Daniel Hargraves Bristol Rovers reporter

13:00, 09 Jun 2025

Bristol Rovers rank top in the top four divisions of English football in an unwanted statistic(Image: Will Cooper/PPAUK)

Bristol Rovers find themselves in an unwanted statistical position after ranking highest for most yellow cards picked up for simulation in England’s top four divisions over the past three seasons.

Rovers players have been shown as many as eight yellow cards for diving over the past three seasons, according to football statistician Statman Dave, who delved into the numbers as part of Snickers’ wider ‘Off Your Game’ campaign.

Formally known as Dave O’Brien, the popular online creator said: “Diving has always been a part of the game, but when you look at the numbers, like I’ve done for Snickers’ Deep Diving Audit, it’s clear that some clubs and players really know how to keep things interesting.

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“Whether it’s tactical, instinctive, or maybe even hunger-related, one thing is for sure, when players are off their game, it shows, and sometimes, it’s not just the ball that goes rolling.”

Closest to Rovers were Premier League giants Chelsea and Burton Albion, who pipped the Gas to League One survival last season, with seven bookings each. Meanwhile, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Crawley Town, Accrington Stanley and Barrow all clocked six.

Almost all instances of simulation took place in the second half of matches, with a particular surge during the 90th minute. Additionally, 70 per cent of dives took place in the penalty area.

26 per cent of all dives across the past three seasons go to strikers playing in the Premier League, a stark contrast to defenders, with just one centre-back having been booked for diving.

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The data also revealed that, during the 2024/25 season, a considerable 75 per cent of dives took place when the player’s team was losing, and on average, these incidents lasted nine seconds.

Over the past three campaigns, the Gas have finished 17th, 15th and 22nd in League One following their promotion out of League Two in the 2021/22 season.

Frustratingly, the Pirates’ consolidation back in the third tier was followed by relegation last term, meaning that Rovers have it all to do once again to get themselves out of League Two.

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