Schalke BANISH star to U23s for breaking club protocol as he releases grovelling apology

SCHALKE have banished Timo Baumgartl to their under-23s for breaking club protocol.

The defender has since released an apology after being fined by the 2. Bundesliga side.

GettyTimo Baumgartl has been banished to the under-23s by Schalke[/caption]

Baumgartl was punished for breaching the club’s code of conduct following their 3-1 loss to St. Pauli on Saturday.

The 27-year-old had a TV interview with Sky after the defeat, in which he criticised the team and manager Thomas Reis.

In response, Schalke have fined Baumgartl and demoted him to their under-23s following a meeting with Reis and sporting director Andre Hechelmann.

The club confirmed on Sunday that he will spend the week training away from the first-team squad.

Baumgartl also issued an apology for his comments in Schalke’s statement.

“What I triggered with my statements was not my intention and should not happen to a player with my experience,” he explained.

“That’s why I asked Thomas Reis and André Hechelmann to apologise and I’m very happy that they accepted it. I know that I am now challenged.”

The former Germany under-21 international only joined Schalke this summer, signing from PSV on a free transfer in July.

GettyBaumgartl has also been fined for comments he made in a TV interview[/caption]

He has since made seven appearances for the club so far this season.

Saturday’s defeat leaves Schalke 15th in the 2. Bundesliga, although they could drop into the relegation play-off spot after Sunday’s matches.