Benfica Star Andreas Schjelderup Admits Likely Conviction for Illegal Video

Benfica star Andreas Schjelderup has publicly acknowledged that he expects to be convicted after being charged with sharing an illegal video involving minors, an incident that dates back two years. The Norwegian international, now 21, addressed the situation transparently through a lengthy statement on his social media channels.

Andreas Schjelderup Addresses Legal Case and Mistake

Andreas Schjelderup, speaking candidly, explained the circumstances surrounding the offense. The footballer admitted that when he was 19 and living in Denmark, he received a video and shared it with a friend, unaware of its full contents. Upon realizing the video was illegal, he says he deleted it immediately and has since fully cooperated with Danish authorities.

In his words, “I want to be honest with you about a stupid mistake I did around two years ago. I take full responsibility for what happened and what I’ve done, but it is important to me that you know the context of the episode. At the time, I was 19 years old and living in Denmark. I received a short video and forwarded it to my friend a few seconds later, without thinking clearly. After being told about its illegal nature, I deleted it right away.”

Benfica’s Support and Impact on Norway National Team

Benfica president Rui Costa has voiced support for Schjelderup, highlighting the player’s remorse and transparency throughout the legal process. The club is reportedly working closely with the player as he navigates this challenging period. Notably, the incident surfaced just after Schjelderup was named in Norway’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, potentially impacting team morale and preparations.

Schjelderup emphasized, “My only explanation is that I was really shocked over seeing what appeared to be two young men in an old quality video and sent it to a friend without thinking. My intention was never to spread anything or to harm those involved. It was a stupid, one-time mistake that I deeply regret.”

Consequences and Expected Verdict for Andreas Schjelderup

According to Schjelderup, Danish police contacted him earlier this year, and he has been forthcoming with information since. He admitted to being charged and anticipates a likely conviction, stating he expects to receive a suspended sentence. “What I did in Denmark at that time was illegal and not okay. I will take full responsibility for it, and I hope my mistake can mean others don’t make the same mistake after hearing or reading about my story,” Schjelderup wrote.

Apology and Responsibility from the Benfica Midfielder

Expressing deep regret, Schjelderup apologized to those affected by the incident, as well as to his family, friends, employers, national team, and fans. He noted that he has no prior history of legal trouble and described the ordeal as shocking and distressing.

“I wish I could go back in time and change my mistake. I have never done anything illegal before, or been involved with the police, so I have been in shock for a long time while this has been going on. But here we are. I screwed up and I am ready to face the consequences,” he stated.

Schjelderup encouraged others to refrain from sharing or spreading harmful or illegal content, underscoring the importance of considering the impact of digital actions.

Andreas Schjelderup’s Situation: Lessons for Young Athletes

Schjelderup’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for young athletes and social media users. The rapid nature of digital communication can lead to split-second decisions with lasting consequences. His openness and willingness to accept responsibility set a noteworthy example, but also highlight the need for ongoing education about online safety and legal awareness in the sports community.

Benfica and Norway Face Unwanted Distraction

While Schjelderup’s statement attempts to minimize distraction for the Norway national team ahead of important World Cup qualification matches, the timing is less than ideal. Both club and country will need to manage the repercussions as the legal process continues and public attention remains on one of their promising talents.

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Opinion: A Teachable Moment Amid Regret

In my view, Schjelderup’s case is a sobering reminder that even unintended actions can have serious legal and ethical consequences, especially for high-profile athletes. His proactive admission and willingness to face up to his mistake are commendable. However, this chapter also underlines the importance of digital literacy and caution, especially for young professionals in the public eye. The hope is that others will learn from Schjelderup’s experience and think twice before sharing any content online.