Norwegian fans unfurl a giant Palestinian flag at a soccer match against Israel. (Screenshot/X)
Fans jeered while Israel’s anthem was played and waved Palestinian flags during the match.
By World Israel News Staff
Norway cruised to a decisive 5-0 victory over Israel in a World Cup qualifying match on Saturday evening — a game overshadowed by intense anti-Israel hostility from the crowd.
Norwegian superstar player Erling Haaland, who plays for Manchester City in the UK’s Premier League, scored three goals.
Two Israeli players — Anan Khalaili and Idan Nachmias — scored own goals.
Even before kickoff, tensions were high outside Oslo’s Ullevaal Stadium, where demonstrators gathered to protest Israel’s participation in the international soccer tournamnet.
Local media reported that Norwegian authorities deployed a heavy police presence around the venue.
“Several protesters have broken through the police barricades outside Ullevaal Stadium. We have therefore used gas to gain control of the crowd. No one has been injured in connection with the incident,” Norwegian police said in a statement.
Some demonstrators were reportedly arrested at the scene.
Inside the stadium, the anti-Israel hostility continued. Norway fans booed and jeered during the playing of Israel’s national anthem, and in the opening minutes of the match, spectators unfurled a massive Palestinian flag and a banner reading “Let Children Live.”
Throughout the game, numerous fans waved Palestinian flags and held up symbolic red cards directed at the Israeli team — a gesture meant to pressure international bodies such as FIFA and UEFA to ban Israel from global competition.
Early in the first half, a Norwegian fan ran onto the field in an attempt to disrupt play, but hewas quickly removed by security.
Inger Lise, a Norwegian supporter who attended the game carrying a “Free Palestine” banner, told far-left British outlet The Guardian that she opposed Israel’s inclusion in international sports.
“It’s very frustrating,” she said. “The game shouldn’t have been played, but it’s not up to us to ruin it. It’s just horrible that we are here now.”
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