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.
The Celtic central defender – who moved to Glasgow in January – was the victim of a horrible 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 manager Age Hareide claimed it could have ended his player’s career. Sviatchenko said: “I am still standing. I am all right. 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 would surely 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 captain Scott Brown, who was quick to protect Bridcutt as the Denmark 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 man 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.”