The spectacular 3-3 draw between FC Bayern and Viking Stavanger is still sparking debate two days after the Champions League match. In particular, the behavior of some Norwegian players during the match has drawn criticism. Now, Nikita Haikin, another professional player from Norway, has spoken out and had some strong words to say.
In an interview with Nettavisen, the Bodø/Glimt goalkeeper expressed his admiration for his compatriots’ ability to earn a point against the German record champions. At the same time, however, he criticized the Viking players’ conduct.
“First of all, it’s impressive that they earned a point. They played against what I consider to be the best team in the world,” Haikin explained.
The 30-year-old made it clear, however, that despite all sporting rivalry, certain boundaries must not be crossed.
Haikin Criticizes the Behavior of the Viking Players
“But I think we mustn’t forget that we’re athletes first and foremost, right? And there are a lot of young people watching us, and yesterday there were many moments that were unacceptable to me. We have to respect one another; we have to show respect. I don’t support that.”
The match in Stavanger was marked by numerous heated incidents.
Michael Olise was particularly in the spotlight; after receiving a yellow card for pulling an opponent’s jersey, he was cautioned again shortly thereafter. The Frenchman had thrown the ball at Viking captain Zlatko Tripic’s face and was subsequently sent off with a second yellow card.
The hosts had repeatedly drawn the Bayern star into physical and verbal altercations beforehand.
The red card proved to be a decisive turning point. Munich had turned a 0–2 deficit into a 3–2 lead, but conceded a late equalizer while down a man.
“It was a point, not a win.”
When asked whether he himself wouldn’t have acted similarly to secure a good result against an opponent like Bayern, Haikin responded decisively. “No. For me, that’s unacceptable. Yes, it ended 3–3, one point—congratulations to them. But it was one point, not a win. We mustn’t forget that either.”
In doing so, the goalkeeper explicitly rejects the notion that any means are permissible in the pursuit of an upset victory.
For FC Bayern, meanwhile, the draw is doubly frustrating. In addition to losing two points, Vincent Kompany will also have to do without Olise in the upcoming Champions League match against Arsenal.
Haikin’s comments, however, show that the Viking players’ behavior is not only viewed critically in Munich but is also sparking debate within Norwegian soccer.