Denmark defender on Xhaka's red card: 'He's a bit of a bastard'

Joachim Andersen’s criticism of Granit Xhaka’s behavior during Denmark’s Nations League clash with Switzerland sparked significant attention, particularly given the high stakes of the match and the players involved. The confrontation unfolded in the final minutes of the game, but tensions had been brewing well before that.

In the 82nd minute, a pivotal moment occurred when Patrick Dorgu scored the opening goal for Denmark, putting them 1-0 ahead. At that time, Switzerland’s Breel Embolo was down injured, and Granit Xhaka was visibly upset that the referee did not stop play for treatment. Xhaka’s frustration boiled over as he argued that play should have been halted out of fairness, but Denmark continued, leading to the goal. The Swiss captain’s anger earned him a yellow card, which set the tone for the heated exchanges that followed.

As the match progressed and emotions ran high, more players became involved in the fray. Denmark’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Jacob Hjulmand were also booked, as were Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji and Embolo, reflecting the rising tension on both sides. Despite the cautions, the game resumed, but Xhaka’s temper flared again in the 87th minute when he committed a hard tackle on Hojbjerg. This foul led to his second yellow card and, subsequently, his dismissal from the match, leaving Switzerland down a man in the closing moments.

In the aftermath of the game, Denmark’s Joachim Andersen didn’t hold back in his assessment of Xhaka’s conduct. While acknowledging Xhaka’s abilities as a player, Andersen noted that the Swiss midfielder often teeters on the edge of losing control. "He’s a top footballer, but he’s also a bit of a bastard," Andersen remarked, adding that while he respects Xhaka as a player, his tendency to let his emotions get the better of him can be problematic. Andersen suggested that Xhaka, known for his combative style, has maintained his composure for most of his career but lost his cool in this particular match.

Andersen also questioned Xhaka’s insistence on halting the game for Embolo’s injury, pointing out that the rules only mandate stopping play for head injuries, which was not the case. "There’s no reason to throw the ball out," Andersen said, expressing certainty that Switzerland would not have kicked the ball out if the roles were reversed. His comments highlight a common debate in football about sportsmanship and when it is appropriate to stop play for an injured player.

The match ended with Denmark securing a 2-0 victory, with Hojbjerg adding a second goal in the closing minutes, cementing the win for the Nordic side. Both Bah and Hjulmand, who were instrumental in the Danish team’s performance, started the match and contributed to their nation’s strong showing. Meanwhile, Switzerland’s new signing, Amdouni, made a brief appearance in stoppage time, coming on in the 90+1 minute, but it was too late to impact the outcome of the game.

Xhaka’s dismissal and Andersen’s pointed remarks add another layer to what has become a tense rivalry between the two teams in recent encounters. For Xhaka, the incident marks another chapter in his controversial on-field persona, where his passion and aggression often straddle the line between determination and ill-discipline. Meanwhile, Andersen’s comments reflect the frustration that Denmark felt towards the Swiss captain’s actions, reinforcing the competitive and emotionally charged nature of the match.

As Denmark moves forward in the Nations League, the victory over Switzerland provides them with momentum, while Xhaka’s red card and Switzerland’s defeat raise questions about their ability to handle pressure in key moments. With both teams vying for success in the competition, future encounters are sure to be just as intense.