Erik Sviatchenko 'getting used to Scottish football' after Liam Bridcutt tackle
Wednesday 30 March 2016 11:13, UK
Denmark defender Erik Sviatchenko was not surprised by the ferocity of Scotland midfielder Liam Bridcutt's tackle on him at Hampden Park after adapting to Scottish football in recent months.
The Celtic centre-back - who moved to Glasgow in January - was the victim of a strong, reckless tackle from his fellow substitute during Scotland's 1-0 friendly win on Tuesday night.
The Leeds midfielder threw himself into the challenge off the ground at full pace and Denmark boss Age Hareide claimed it could have ended his player's career.
Sviatchenko said: "I am still standing. I am okay. My knee is still there.
"That's Scottish football, I am getting used to it. I am all right, but it was a harsh tackle."
Bridcutt received a yellow card from Norwegian referee Svein Oddvar Moen, but it could well have been red in a competitive fixture.
"The referee said it was a friendly game and for him it was a difficult call," Sviatchenko said. "It was on the verge for a red card, but I'm not going to judge anything."
Sviatchenko got little sympathy from Celtic skipper Scott Brown, who was quick to protect Bridcutt as the Danish players rounded on him.
Brown said: "I thought it was a fair tackle, the way I saw it. I've not seen it back yet, but Erik got up, that's the main thing. He has done well since coming to Celtic."
Sviatchenko responded: "I think if he sees it again he will probably say it's a fair tackle again.
"But Broony is a funny guy and when he plays, he plays with his heart and he wants to win every ball. I'm not injured so he can say that."
Both players did agree on at least one thing - how impressive their Celtic team-mate Kieran Tierney was on his international debut for Scotland.
The 18-year-old left-back made a goal-saving tackle and shone going forward before making way for Charlie Mulgrew at half-time.
Sviatchenko said: "I saw his first half from the bench and lots of my Denmark team-mates said, 'This guy is really good'.
"It's good for Celtic and it's good for Scotland as well that we have this young lad coming through and playing so well. He has taken to it like he is 30 years old. It's unbelievable."
