Got hold of Eriksson – on the twelfth attempt – Aftonbladet

Gothenburg. After the harsh criticism – now Anders Svensson called Jonas Eriksson and spoken out.

– The honor him really. Anders took the time and made up my number, says star judge.

Jonas Eriksson had eleven missed calls from the same number in the afternoon. When the bell rang for the twelfth time he replied, and got Anders Svensson in the handset.

– What was said between us, but he got involved. I’m not that easy to come by, he took a big step by calling me, says Eriksson.

Criticism from Elfsborg was tough after the game yesterday, one hour after the final whistle was Anders Svensson still so pissed he Borås Tidning said he never wanted to see the Jonas Eriksson again. A quote that reached the judge’s two young daughters through Sportbladets first look.

– It was not as fun as usual to call home for the family in the morning, when their daughters ask why a player never wants to see me again.

Is it possible to protect yourselves judges, and by extension, your families, better?

– Yes, that is. It got so big today. But it is not often that happens. But today it was evident. But the girls know that it’s my job, it’s not my father as a person they do not like. They understand who I am in relation to my job. But there are some extra pain when it pops up in this way.

“It is an illusion”

There were two situations in the final minute that got Elfsborg to rage. A missed free kick on my plane, and then a penalty for IFK Gothenburg in the next attack.

– The first situation I see angle from behind, IFK player’s foot enters from the left and the ball goes to the right. I interpret that as he hits the ball. But when I see the replay, I realize that he kicks the left leg on Viktor Claesson, which in turn pushes the ball away with his right foot. I fooled, this is an illusion. The penalties are penalties, there are two moments. Adam (Lundqvist) pulling and then a workout in the back of Sebastian (Holmen). So it is not so much to say about. But it is unfortunate that I miss a kick, and I can only apologize for. One of the many decisions during the game, the majority was right. Then it happens quite a lot of situations, it is a missed header duel, a duel on the ground, there are quite a few moments that occur from the free kick situation before it gets punished. But of course I understand the frustration and disappointment of Elfsborg.

There is a “code of conduct” in the Swedish elite football for a year. Svensson went over the limit with their statements?

– I really have no idea. Code of Conduct’s important, even if it is not written down and there are no real penalties.

But I think that football is so much passion and emotion that sometimes you have to react too much. But only if you reverse and say “sorry, it was wrong.” Just like I can do as a judge. For out there it’s hot and it’s pulse. But I think it is important that everyone think about how to act, because there are guys in the stands that make the players do on the pitch, and it can create some problems.

The first rung

Sportbladets Robert Laul suggested Svensson for his statements against John Alvbåge as punishment would be forced to cut Alvbåges lawn throughout the next year. Is that a fair punishment?

– Haha, will see if he is successful with it. And see if Stefan Lundin and the guys accept it. But it had been fun.

How often does it happen that a player will call you the day after the match?

– It never happens. The call from Anders Svensson was the first in my 295 premier division games. However, I am surprised that not the players often come into the judgment room after the game and discuss situations they are not happy with. They can get an explanation from me, even if you then may not always agree. But we could sit down and go through situations on television. The door is always open, and I am surprised that not more people are taking the chance.