Fans Revolt Against VAR: Norwegian Match Abandoned Amid Chaotic Protests

A top-flight match in Norway was abruptly abandoned after furious fans protested against the use of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) by hurling a variety of objects, including fish cakes, onto the field of play. The game between Rosenborg and Lillestrom, which saw Rosenborg defeat Manchester United in a friendly earlier this week, was only 30 minutes old when the referee decided to call a halt to the proceedings.

Fans Unleash Fury Over VAR Controversy

Protests Erupt with Flares, Tennis Balls, and Fish Cakes

The match was marred by a series of protests from the supporters, who were clearly displeased with the implementation of VAR. In the first half-hour of the game, the fans launched no less than four separate demonstrations, with a barrage of items being thrown onto the pitch. Flares, tennis balls, and even fish cakes were among the objects hurled by the incensed fans, creating a chaotic scene on the field.The game was initially halted just two minutes after kickoff when the players were forced to leave the pitch as fish cakes rained down from the stands. The ground staff quickly cleared the field, allowing the match to resume. However, the respite was short-lived, as moments later, the Lillestrom fans began to shower the pitch with tennis balls and flares, prompting the players to retreat to the dressing room for a second time.

Fans Defy Warnings and Persist with Protests

Despite warnings from the intercom for the fans to stop throwing items onto the field, the Lillestrom supporters continued their defiant protests. When the game restarted for a third time, the fans pelted the pitch with more tennis balls, forcing the players to remain on the field to clear the offending objects.The protests were not limited to the Lillestrom fans, as the Rosenborg supporters also joined in the demonstrations, hurling tennis balls onto the pitch. The referee, Rohit Saggi, had seen enough and decided to call off the match completely, unable to maintain the safety and integrity of the game.

Fans Voice Their Discontent with VAR

As the players left the field for the final time, the Lillestrom fans chanted, "Hate, hate, hate damn VAR," clearly expressing their disdain for the video assistant referee system. The visiting manager, Andreas Georgson, appeared to lend his support to the protests, stating, "When you are not listened to, civil disobedience is the last resort."However, Rosenborg manager Alfred Johansson was less sympathetic, expressing his disappointment that the match was unable to be completed. "It's an annoying feeling, we are all here to play, we are not allowed to do that," he said. "We understand they have their point of view and attitudes, but we are upset we didn't get to play."

Potential Consequences for the Clubs

The chaotic scenes at the match have raised questions about the potential consequences for the clubs involved. It remains to be seen whether Rosenborg and Lillestrom will face any disciplinary action from the Norwegian Football Association or FIFA for the fan protests and the abandonment of the game.A spokesperson for the Lillestrom supporter's group, however, seemed to view the incident as a "victory for those who want to abolish VAR," stating, "We got the attention we want." The spokesperson acknowledged that the use of smoke on the field was not ideal, but expressed solidarity with the overall protests against the video assistant referee system.As the football community grapples with the ongoing debate surrounding VAR, this incident in Norway serves as a stark reminder of the passionate emotions it can evoke among fans. The abandonment of the match highlights the need for a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to the implementation of technology in the sport, one that addresses the concerns and perspectives of all stakeholders.