EDDIE Howe believes bringing in retrospective punishments for diving will be good for the game, providing there is “absolute proof”.

Players who deceive match officials by diving to win penalties or pretending they are hurt to get opponents punished will risk two-match bans from next season.

The new offence of 'successful deception of a match official' will be introduced in England, six years after the Scottish Football Association brought in a similar rule.

Having already gained the support of the Football League and Premier League, the new rule was approved by shareholders at the FA's annual general meeting at Wembley on Thursday.

Incidents will be reviewed by a panel comprising an ex-manager, ex-player and an ex-referee, each watching the footage independently.

If they are unanimous in believing a player deceived a match official, the sanction will be a two-match ban.

Asked whether he felt it was a good move, Howe replied: “Yes, I think it will be.

“The only hesitation I would have is actually proving someone dived. I think it is a very difficult process.

“A player can go down not intentionally looking to gain a free-kick or a penalty.

“The actual proof is a delicate one because you are doubting someone’s integrity. Getting the absolute proof will be the key thing.”