Sirius had needed a victory against IFK Norrköping to reach the quarter-finals of the Swedish Cup. It lived until the last kick, but 2-2 meant that “Beijing” advanced.
There was a lot of emotion on the pitch, including for Christer Mattiasson. When it was 1-1 in the 78th minute, Yousef Salech fell in the penalty area and shortly after Joakim Persson was cut down. Then it spilled over for Sirius’ coach – who took a bet against the fourth official, and for that he received a red card.
– It was because I ran towards the fourth official. It is not more difficult than that. I didn’t say anything that was rude. It was more that I went towards him at too high a speed, he says.
– I think we should have had a free kick or a penalty. I think he was outside. That’s enough for us to get a good free kick position. We deserved that free kick. When the emotions come, sometimes the wrong words are said. But I don’t think I said anything inappropriate other than maybe taking a few steps at high speed.
There was disappointment in the home team after the final whistle and the missed quarter-final place.
– It was sour. We played a good game, especially the second half. I think we were the better team, both before we conceded the first goal and also before we conceded the second. It was a match that we deserved to win, says Joakim Persson to Fotbollskanalen.
There were several penalty situations in the match and Persson also thinks that Sirius should have received one.
– Yes, there was someone there. It could have been a penalty at some point. I think Yousef (Salech) should have received a penalty, he says and continues:
– I think we were the better team. 0-0 against Brage meant that we did not progress. Norrköping beat Utsikten 4-0 and we won 2-0 against Utsikten. So it was goal difference.
