Schalk in apology to Celtic over diving row

ROSS COUNTY striker Alex Schalk has apologised to Celtic and referee Don Robertson for diving to win a penalty. The Dutchman has accepted a two-match SFA ban after his ‘act of simulation’ helped earn the Highlanders a valuable point in last Sunday’s 2-2 draw. Accused of ‘blatant cheating’ by Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, neither a contrite Schalk nor County will challenge his punishment after the 24-year-old acknowledged his actions were ‘stupid’ and out of character. ‘I really want to apologise — obviously, to the referee, to Celtic and to the fans,’ said Schalk. ‘I’ve seen it back and it’s stupid. I don’t know what I was thinking. There was no contact and I just want to say

sorry, really. It will never happen again. ‘I’m not a diver. I’ve never dived before, never been booked for diving before — not in Holland or here in Scotland. I don’t know where it came from.’ Keen to draw a line under the incident, the 24-yearold added: ‘I was disappointed when I saw the incident back. I did expect contact (from Erik Sviatchenko). I anticipated it and it never came, obviously, because he’s a very clever player. ‘My apology won’t change anything, but I do want to apologise and I’ll take any punishment that happens.’ The point gained from his dive edged County ahead of their relegation rivals, but Schalk said: ‘Missing two games from the remaining five is a massive blow for me. ‘But I trust the boys in getting the job done in the remaining matches. ‘It was a massive point against Celtic. There’s no denying that.’ County boss Jim McIntyre insisted Schalk has been warned about the embarrassment his actions caused the club. ‘He’s gutted watching it back,’ said McIntyre. ‘It doesn’t look good and he’s apologised for that. ‘Alex is a sharp, nimble player, but there’s no getting away from the fact it is simulation. Alex knows it can’t happen again. ‘He won’t be involved in anything like that again. ‘Did I like what I saw? No. Am I happy we got a point from that? No. ‘But we’ve had a lot of decisions go against us this year that have cost us points and I’ve had a few apologies from people at other teams. ‘This decision has gone in our favour, but that doesn’t mean it sits well with us. The bottom line is we deserve criticism for that incident. ‘Alex has been told in no uncertain terms it can’t happen again. He came to me and apologised.’