The build-up to the World Cup qualifier between Norway and Israel in Oslo on Saturday was marked by protests and heavy security, as Norwegian fans remained divided over Israel’s participation in the tournament due to the war in Gaza.
Outside the Norwegian parliament, hundreds of pro-Palestinian supporters gathered to protest, with many wearing the jerseys of the Palestine national team.
Marching towards Ullevaal Stadium with Palestinian flags and flares, the protesters gathered outside, vowing to continue until kickoff at 16:00GMT as nearby buildings displayed pro-Palestinian banners hanging from balconies.
Security was tight around the stadium, with police closing several entrances hours before the match started, conducting bag searches, and reducing the number of spectators allowed in.
Norway top Group I with 15 points from five games, and victory over Israel would put them on the verge of qualifying for next year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. (In the end, Norway won 5–0.)
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Some Norwegian supporters appeared unconcerned about the political background to the match, seeing it only as another hurdle to qualify for their first World Cup since 1998.
But demonstrators called for Israel to be barred from soccer’s world governing body, Fifa, and the Union of European Football Associations (Uefa), calling the war a genocide.
Produced by: Dawn News English
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