Clarkson apologises to umpire Schmitt

Posted Jul 31, 2008 - 10:45 AM

Hawthorn coach Alistair Clarkson has apologised to umpire Justin Schmitt over the critical remarks which resulted in him copping a $5,000 fine from the AFL.

Clarkson said he should have kept quiet and that he stepped outside the line of regulations that are in place.

Clarkson had sarcastically made a reference to Schmitt in his post-match media conference after the Geelong game, saying: “He’s a good player for the Cats that No.17, wasn’t he? He’s a ripper.”

There were no no.17s for either team, with Schmitt wearing the No.17 umpire’s shirt.

Mike McGuire