Theo
Walcott has apologised for diving to try to win a penalty
during the closing stages of his side's third-round FA Cup tie
against Leeds United at Emirates Stadium.
Walcott came off the bench in the second half as Arsenal were
trailing to a spot-kick from Robert Snodgrass.
Walcott found himself in the thick of the action as Arsenal
pressed for an equaliser, and looked to have won a penalty after
going down under a challenge from Paul Connolly. However, after
consulting with his assistant, referee Phil Dowd changed his
mind.
Moments later, though, it was a penalty when Walcott was tugged
back by Ben Parker - and captain
Cesc Fabregas stepped up to fire past Kasper Schmeichel and
earn a replay at Elland Road.
Walcott issued a statement apologising for his actions.
The 21-year-old said on the club's official website: "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."
Walcott continued: "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."
is he taunting leeds fans?
