Queen: Players prima donnas

2006-11-23 18:03

London - Queen Elizabeth II is unimpressed with the play-acting of some professional soccer players, labelling them "prima donnas."

While bestowing a knighthood on Thursday on Premier League chairperson David Richards, the talk turned to England's national game.

"She said to me, `Football's a difficult business and aren't they prima donnas?"' Richards recounted. "I said, 'Yes, Ma'am, some of them are.' She said, `But it's a wonderful game."'

The queen was apparently referring to the much criticised behaviour of players who dive and feign injury in an attempt to win free kicks and penalties and get opposing players sent off.

"She obviously watches the television," Richards said. "I think she meant when they fall on the floor and that they're good actors."

- AP