Benfica and Norway international footballer Andreas Schjelderup has admitted on social media that he expects to be convicted for sharing an illegal video involving minors, an offence that occurred two years ago. The 21-year-old Norwegian revealed in an Instagram post that he made a "stupid mistake" when he was 19.

Norway international facing prosecution

Schjelderup has explained that he forwarded the video to a friend without fully realising its contents, and deleted it immediately after being informed of its illegal nature. He has also confirmed that Danish police contacted him earlier this year regarding the incident and he has cooperated fully. Benfica president Rui Costa has expressed the club's support for Schjelderup, noting his remorse. The news broke shortly after Schjelderup was named in Norway's squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

AdvertisementAFPBenfica player offers explanation

In a lengthy social media statement, Schjelderup said: "Hello, everyone. I want to be honest with you about a stupid mistake I did around two years ago. At the time, I was 19 years old, and now I have to face the consequences of this mistake. I take full responsibility for what happened and what I've done, but it is important to me that you know the context of the episode. I was living in Denmark at the time. I received a short video and forwarded it to my friend a few seconds later, without thinking clearly.

"We have always sent memes to each other, like many teenagers do. When I received this video and forwarded it, as we usually do, without thinking that this one was different. I only saw the first few seconds and not what the video developed into. My friend, after having seen it a few seconds later, reminded me directly that it was, of course, illegal to send, so I deleted it immediately. In the moment, I unfortunately didn't think about the consequences and how it could be illegal to share. I should have realised the seriousness of sending it, but I didn't at the time."

Schjelderup expecting suspended sentence

Schjelderup continued: "My only explanation is that I was really shocked over seeing, what appeared to be two young men, in an old quality video and sent it to a friend without thinking. My intention was never to spread anything or to harm those involved. It was a stupid mistake one-time mistake that I deeply regret. When the Danish police contacted me this year about what happened, I told them the truth and I have cooperated throughout the entire process. I was charged for this offence which I probably will be convicted for in the near future and most likely receive a suspended sentence.

"There are no excuses from my side. What I did in Denmark at that time was illegal and not okay. I will take full responsibility for it, and I hope my mistake can mean others don't make the same mistake after hearing or reading about my story."

Getty ImagesApology for actions

Schjelderup added: "I would like to apologise first and foremost to those affected by the video. Then, to my friends, family, employers, country, and all the fans I have disappointed. Right now, I wish I could go back in time and change my mistake. I have never done anything illegal before, or been involved with the police, so I have been in shock for a long time while this has been going on.

"But here we are. I screwed up and I am ready to face the consequences. The offence I will be convicted for, does not reflect on who I am as a person and what I stand for. I am truly sorry for my mistake and embarrassed to be in this situation. Everyone who knows me, also knows what I stand for, so I understand this will be a shock for many people. I also know, this will be an unneeded disturbance to the national team of Norway before some of the most important games in our history. My intention was to share this after the games to avoid that, but unfortunately, that is not possible anymore.

"And to everyone: Please do not watch or spread videos with harmful or offensive content. It is illegal. I want to apologise again and hope that you will forgive me. And I will do anything in my power to make things right again."