A tumultuous top-tier football match in Norway was abruptly halted as spectators expressed their disapproval of VAR by throwing unexpected items onto the pitch, including fish cakes.
The game between Rosenborg and Lillestrom, which had seen Rosenborg emerge victorious against Manchester United in a recent friendly match, was interrupted after only 30 minutes when the referee decided to abandon the game. This decision came after a series of four protests from fans, during which flares, tennis balls, and even fish cakes were tossed onto the field, causing disorderly scenes.
The match was briefly paused as ground staff quickly cleared the fish cakes from the pitch, allowing the game to continue. However, the resumption was short-lived, as Lillestrom fans continued to show their disapproval by throwing tennis balls and flares onto the pitch, leading the players to return to the dressing room for a second time.
Despite warnings over the intercom instructing fans to stop throwing objects, the protests continued, with both groups of supporters contributing to the disruption. The referee ultimately deemed the situation unmanageable and made the decision to abandon the match entirely.
The aftermath of the cancelled game has prompted discussions about potential consequences for Rosenborg and Lillestrom, with the Norwegian FA and FIFA set to determine if disciplinary action is warranted.
In the aftermath of the chaotic scenes, Lillestrom manager Andreas Georgson seemed to offer tacit support for the protests, characterising them as a last resort when other channels are unresponsive. Meanwhile, Rosenborg manager Alfred Johansson expressed frustration at being denied the opportunity to play, acknowledging the opposing perspective while emphasizing the disappointment of the players.
A spokesperson for the Lillestrom supporter’s group considered the outcome a triumph in their campaign against VAR, highlighting the rare unity between Rosenborg and Lillestrom fans in the protest.
As the fallout from these remarkable events settles, it remains to be seen how the footballing authorities will respond to the disruption and whether any measures will be implemented to prevent a recurrence of such extraordinary scenes in the future.