Some time ago, the Norwegians were the leaders of European football in terms of Fair Play, and Brann was recognized as one of the most honest teams. Years later, nobility has not disappeared anywhere – for some players, fair play is still above the result. In the match of the Norwegian championship, the team from Bergen already had the opportunity to open an account in the first half, but the promising attack was stopped. Instead of going one on one with the goalkeeper, the footballer suddenly decided to stop.

Bard refused to attack out of respect for his opponent.

Plus to karma to the detriment of the result

In the second round of the Norwegian Football Championship, Odd hosted Brann. The guests, who returned to the elite league after a pause, intended to build on their success after winning the debut game. There were chances – the bookmakers were fully counting on such a positive outcome. But the team from Bergen failed to take full advantage of its opportunities.

Brann’s attack began with a long pass from outside his own penalty area, which was very much like a no-address clearance. However, the defender did not send the ball at random, but counted on the acceleration of teammate Bard Finne, who was already rushing to the opponent’s half of the field. The forward could not catch the ball, Odd’s player Sondre Solholm was in a better position. But he suddenly began to lose speed, and for good reason – the defender clearly pulled a muscle.

Photo: © Marius Simensen / Keystone Press Agency / Global Look Press

Since there was no whistle, Finne could break into the operational space, and then try to beat the lone goalkeeper, since the rest of the rivals were not in time to prevent the attack. Probably, many players would have done so, but for the Brann striker, fair play was above all. Having caught up with the ball, Bard stopped and sent it out, at the same time showing with a gesture that the opponent needed a replacement.

Solholm really did not feign, but got injured and was forced to leave the field already in the middle of the half. The author of a noble deed can now count on improved karma and universal respect. But all this did not affect the final result in the best way. Brann failed to excel in the game, but the opponent managed to hit the gate twice. Perhaps the football god will reward Bard and his partners later – in the next match, the newcomer to the Eliteserien will host Valerenga.