Joacim Jonsson, Mees Rijks | Is there suddenly no room for emotion in football?

The questions come after Vålerenga’s sports manager, Joachim Jonssonwas almost “executed” for what he said in an interview during the break in the match between Lyn and Vålerenga.

– I’m fine. It’s not my fault, says Jonsson when I meet him at Intility.

He sits down, is a little unaccustomedly reserved.

Read also: The expert: Joacim Jonsson should do this now

Lyn, Vålerenga and Sindefloden

I know him as a guy with enough self-confidence. It seems that even a tough guy like him has been marked by what has been the big talk of the last few days.

He has received massive criticism for his statements.

There and then was in the break during the match between Lyn and Vålerenga. Vålerenga had taken the lead, then Meeks Rijiks was sent off and Lyn equalized just before the break.

Vålerenga’s sporting director looked completely dark in the last 45 minutes.

And when Jonsson was interviewed, he said, among other things:

“It is completely unforgivable of Mees Rijks. There are no excuses. You put your teammates in a hellish situation.”

But, surely he just said what everyone else was thinking and saying?

I probably said something like this at home on the couch:

Is it possible to be that stupid? With a yellow card, he pig tackles the opponent at the corner flag. Totally brain dead!

Idiot tackling, red card and excellence

The reaction was many and strong to the idiotic tackle that ended with a red card.

But, what amazes me is that afterwards many of those who criticize Mees Riijk’s act have suddenly become so damn gorgeous. Because there has been a hail of criticism and threats that must have been written in affect towards Vålerenga’s sports manager.

There is zero understanding that leaders can also have an outburst of emotion – as Jönsson had.

– Then and there, the commitment and emotions took over. A moment of stupidity.

Of course, a manager like Jonsson must take such criticism internally and directly with the player.

The Swede is guaranteed to be the first to sign.

Read also: Vålerenga should accept Joacim Jonsson’s resignation

– That’s how much we can tolerate

At the same time, I think there must be enough ceiling height in sport – and that we have to put up with that much. Especially after hearing that right after the match Jonsson apologized to the player and the rest of the other guys.

He did that long before he received a reprimand from the club’s general manager.

Reprimand? For me, it is way beyond the mark. If Jonsson missed a bit in the heat of the match, I think the club is overreacting.

I reckon the players, including the mentioned Mees Rijks, are the first to understand that in the heat of the match, stupid things can be said.

But afterwards we split up. And moves on.

Here you can read more by Ernst A. Lersveen

“Take” the Swede

I do not overlook the fact that the violent reactions to Jonsson’s statements are related to the fact that the Swede was previously a very outspoken football expert on TV.

The expert had answers to everything. Now the opportunity was there for many to “take” the Swede.

I am also convinced that the football expert Jonsson had probably slaughtered both the tackle of the player Mees Rijks and sports manager Jonsson’s statements in smooth terms.

– The expert Jonsson would have taken the opportunity with open arms, says the former TV expert.