Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen has revealed his family were attacked in the stands during Sweden’s 2-0 friendly win over Algeria on Saturday.
Both countries have failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and that has seen them take part in a friendly tie at Malmö FF’s home stadium, the Eleda Stadion.
The clash was special for the Aston Villa player since it allowed him to return to his former club’s stadium.
“It was a very special match for me. I am home. The first time I got to come home and play. Get to wear the national team shirt here, and also get to wear the captain’s armband during the last 30 minutes,” he told Fotbollskanalen.
Unai Emery’s man invited his family and friends for the ‘very special’ occasion. They were at the receiving end of the away supporters, who also invaded the pitch after the full time. Olsen has urged the authorities to take strict action against these set of fans.
“It’s just embarrassing. I don’t know what to say. Embarrassing. I had family that had things happen to them in the stands. Honestly, they can only stay as far away from football as they can. They should never be welcome at a football game again,” the Aston Villa keeper was quoted as saying by Sportbladet.
When further pressed as to what exactly happened to his family, the 32-year-old stressed that Malmö FF had made separate arrangements for his wife and children.
“A few things have happened up there. I really hope they get suspended or something,” Olsen explained.
“No, it was calm [with his wife and children]. MFF have been very kind there. They arranged a lodge for the family. They were calm up there, but there were others that I had tickets arranged and sad things happen to them.”
Olsen was asked whether his family were subjected to a verbal attack. Responding to that, the Swede stressed: “I don’t need to go into that. They can only stay away from a football stadium. Everyone is okay.”
Swedish football association’s security officer Martin Fredman didn’t have a word with the Aston Villa player. However, he did have a say about the Algeria supporters who were at the Eleda Stadion.
“I know that they chose to move some Swedes who were sitting behind our substitute bench because it was, to say the least, lively with Algerian supporters there,” Fredman told Sportbladet.
“We were worried at the beginning of the match when we had large movements of supporters. We had to do ticket checks to get people back to their proper seats. People gathered in places where it became quite critical.”
