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Preparations for the World Cup qualifier between Norway and Israel in Oslo on Saturday were marked with protests and heavy security, as Norwegian fans were divided over Israel’s participation in the tournament due to the war in Gaza.
Outside the Norwegian Parliament, hundreds of pro-Palestine supporters gathered to protest, many of them wearing Palestine national team jerseys.
“The match should not have been played. If Russia is expelled, Israel should also be expelled. But when the match is played, the best thing Norway can do is destroy Israel’s hopes for the World Cup,” said Norway fan Johan, who was wearing a Palestine jersey.
“It matches the bitter-sweet taste.”
Marching towards the Ulewal Stadium with Palestinian flags and flyers, protesters gathered outside and vowed to continue until kick off at 1600 GMT, as pro-Palestinian banners hung from balconies in nearby buildings.
Security around the stadium was tight, with police closing several entrances hours before the match started, conducting bag searches and limiting the number of spectators allowed inside.
Norway top Group I with 15 points from five matches, 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.
Some Norwegian supporters seemed unconcerned about the political backdrop of the match, seeing it as another obstacle to qualifying for their first World Cup since 1998.
One fan said, “We’ll see Norway basically qualify tonight and it’s going to be a great night.”
More than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive on Gaza after Hamas-led militants attacked Israeli cities and a music festival on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 and capturing 251 hostages.
The withdrawal of Israeli troops began on Friday under the peace deal, the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group.
reuters