IFK Norrkoping’s captain Andreas Johansson says he is “very ashamed” after footage of his dive went viral, earning him worldwide attention.
The incident, involving Johansson walking into the outstretched arm of AIK’s Mohamed Bangura then falling to the ground, quickly spread online.
In a statement on his club’s website, Johansson said: “What I did was wrong and has no place in football. I had a quick brainwave of which I am very ashamed … When I see things like this on TV it makes me angry and it makes me extremely disappointed that I did it.”
Johansson also pledged to get over the incident, and refocus on his duties. “From now on, my focus will be on the future, on the preparations for our next match … My commitment and my desire to win will not be affected.
“I will continue to work even harder to be the role model I want to be, on and off the field.”
