During Sunday’s match between Rosenborg and Lillestrom, fans threw various objects, including tennis balls, smoke bombs, pipes, and fish cakes, to protest the introduction of VAR. This demonstration initially interrupted the game and eventually led to its complete suspension.
While Italy has used the Video Assistant Referee for seven years, it was only introduced in Norway’s Tippeligaen last season. Many Scandinavian fans still strongly oppose VAR, as seen in the unique protest at the Rosenborg-Lillestrom match last Sunday. After just two minutes of play at Lerkendal Stadium, both home and away supporters began throwing tennis balls onto the field. Although the game briefly resumed, it was soon halted again due to the escalation of the protest, which included rockets, smoke bombs, pipes, and fish cakes. Banners with the message “We hate VAR, we will never give up” were displayed. Referee Rohit Saggi had no choice but to send the players to the locker rooms, and after three interruptions and over 30 minutes of delay, the match was permanently suspended.
Rosenborg and Lillestrom now face potential penalties from both the Norwegian Federation and FIFA. This could be particularly damaging for Rosenborg, a storied club with 26 national titles, including 13 consecutive wins from 1992 to 2004, but currently struggling at the bottom of the league standings. Despite the possible repercussions, the fans remain firm in their belief that technology has no place in football.
Rosenborg performance and stats
Rosenborg
Lillestrøm performance and stats
Lillestrøm
Lillestrøm is currently 8th in the Eliteserien with 19 points.
