Walcott: I dived, I apologise

Results

Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
08 Jan	12:45 PM	FA	Leeds United (H)	1	1	Draw

Striker Theo Walcott moved to apologise to managers Arsène Wenger and Simon Grayson for his 'dive' during the FA Cup tie between Arsenal and Leeds United.

The England international admitted he resorted to manipulation when he appeared to be clipped by Leeds defender Alex Bruce, but has now said that he wasn't.

It is a refreshing move from a professional footballer when he makes an attempt to right a wrong, and releasing a statement like this is something that he should be given credit for.

Wenger has always been critical of theatrics from players, and would no doubt have given his blessing for Walcott to face his critics by releasing such a statement. Let's hope it's lesson learnt.

In his statement, Walcott said: "I want to apologise to the managers because I actually dived. I was trying to win the penalty.

"I said to one of their players 'would you have done it?' and he said he probably would have.

"I am not the sort of player to do it but I own up to it and apologise. It is something I don't want to see in my game.

"I have heard some players say if there is a slight touch go down and it can work both ways.

"It was one of those things. I am not happy with myself for doing that but I am happy that we got the draw.

"I had a little joke with the referee afterwards saying 'that was my first dive, can you tell?'

"I don't have to own up to it and I can't speak for other players but I have just expressed how I feel. I hope people respect that."

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