Celtic goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel, has found himself the subject of vile and deeply personal criticism during the international break with Denmark. The 38-year-old was part of the squad that suffered a 5-2 defeat to Portugal in extra time in the Nations League quarterfinals, where he injured himself in an attempt to stop an offside Portugal goal. What should have been a focus on his performance on the pitch quickly turned into a far more toxic matter when Olsen’s comments moved into personal territory.
Unwarranted Attacks on Schmeichel’s Character
Anders Olsen’s editorial crossed a line, drawing unwarranted parallels between Schmeichel’s performance and serious illness, alongside cruel fat-shaming remarks. In an era where the discussion of players’ performances should remain focused on footballing ability, this type of personal attack is completely uncalled for. Schmeichel, who has enjoyed a highly successful career, including a Premier League win with Leicester City and now a key role at Celtic, has had to endure the negativity of a journalist whose words were completely out of place.
PFA Chief Michael Sahl Hansen Speaks Out
PFA Denmark chief Michael Sahl Hansen was quick to condemn the attack, describing it as “way over the line.” He made it clear that such comments are unacceptable and that the journalist should deeply reflect on the impact of his words. “The way of writing about another person is completely wrong,” Hansen said: (RecordSport), emphasising that the Players’ Association must stand firm against these types of personal assaults.
“To denigrate a player in that way, by drawing parallels to a deeply serious illness and by fat-shaming, is completely distasteful,” he continued. Hansen added that Olsen’s editorial was an example of why such discussions about players’ performances must be done respectfully, focusing on the sport, not crossing into harmful personal critiques.
Denmark’s Kasper Schmeichel looks dejected after the match REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen
Time for Reflection and Apology
Hansen believes that Olsen must now ‘undergo some serious soul-searching’ and, more importantly, owes Schmeichel a public apology. In his view, Olsen’s tone was unprofessional. The journalist’s comments have also stirred up wider discussions about the role of the media in football, with Hansen stressing that the media bears a significant responsibility not to foster a culture of hate or intolerance.
As Schmeichel prepares for his return to Celtic, the focus should be on his recovery from injury, not about his weight, in what is one of the cruelest criticisms you will hear about a player from a journalist whilst on international duty.
