Primary school bans football after students copy bad behaviour of World Cup players

World Cup fever has swept across the globe, but one primary school has banned children from playing football for a week amid fears youngsters are copying the “theatrics” of professional players.

Students at the school have reportedly been spotted diving, arguing with each other and taking the game “too seriously” during their break-time kickabouts.

The sport has now been banned for a week and the UK school said children can only start playing again if they agree to a code of conduct.

Richard Potter, headteacher at Home Farm School in Colchester, Essex, said he wants to encourage students playing fairly with morals and sportsmanship.

“These are four to 11-year-olds who are trying to emulate the older players,” he said.

“This was causing a lot of arguments.”

One unnamed parent said they thought the ban was too harsh and said the World Cup should be an event that encourages more young people to get playing.

Child psychologist Emma Kenny said banning children from the sport was “like tying their arms up”.

“You can teach them really sensible consequences. Send them off the pitch instead like the professionals do,” she said.

“Children are resilient and enjoy having competition as well as – they are just mimicking the professionals. It is part of the world and it is in our DNA. It is a great thing.

“They need that rough and tumble – it is something that is healthy.”