The Danish player confessed to the error in a public statement, explaining that he forwarded the video to a friend without thinking about the consequences, deleting it immediately after being alerted to its illegality.
Benfica footballer Andreas Schjelderup admitted that he had been involved in sharing a sexual video involving minors, a situation that was quickly identified by the authorities.
In a statement posted on social media, 21-year-old Schjelderup expressed his regret, explaining that the incident was a “stupid and isolated mistake” for which he feels deeply regretful.
“My intention was not to publicize anything or harm those involved. It was a stupid and isolated mistake that I deeply regret. When the Danish police contacted me this year about the case, I told them the truth and cooperated throughout the process,” said the player, who added that the sentence he will face will probably be suspended.
According to TV2, the Danish striker is now subject to a fine or, alternatively, a prison sentence of up to one year, and the case will be heard by the Copenhagen Municipal Court later this Sunday.
Andreas Schjelderup arrived at Benfica in the second half of the 2022/23 season, from Nordsjaelland, having been loaned to the Danish club the following season, precisely during the period in which the incident occurred.
The statement from Schjelderup:
“I want to be honest with you about a stupid mistake I made about two years ago. I was 19 years old at the time and now I have to face the consequences of that mistake. I take full responsibility for what happened and what I did, but it’s important to me that you know the context surrounding the episode.
I lived in Denmark at the time. I received a short video and forwarded it to a friend a few seconds later without thinking twice. We always exchange jokes and memes, like many teenagers do. When I received this video and forwarded it, I did it as usual, without thinking that this one was different. I only saw the first few seconds, not what the video showed afterwards.
My friend, who saw the video a few seconds later, immediately said that it was obviously illegal to upload it, so I deleted it immediately.
Unfortunately, at the time, I didn’t think about the consequences, nor that sharing the video could be illegal. I should have understood the gravity of the situation, but I didn’t. The only explanation I can find is that I was shocked to see what appeared to be two young people in an old video, and I forwarded it to a friend without thinking twice.
My intention was not to disclose anything or harm those involved. It was a stupid, isolated mistake that I deeply regret. When the Danish police contacted me this year about the case, I told them the truth and cooperated throughout the process. I have been charged for the incident and will probably be sentenced soon, most likely to a suspended sentence.
I have no excuses. What I did in Denmark at the time was illegal and wrong. I take full responsibility for this and hope that my mistake serves as a warning so that others do not make the same mistake after hearing or reading my story. I hope you think twice before sharing something that shouldn’t be shared.
Firstly, I would like to apologize to everyone affected by the video. Then, to my friends, family, employers, my country and all the fans I have disappointed.
Right now, I wish I could go back in time and correct the error. I’ve never done anything illegal before, nor have I had any contact with the police, so this has been a shock to me for a long time.”
