As expected, the World Cup qualifier between Israel and Norway in Oslo on Saturday was anything but quiet. Before kickoff, about 1,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the stadium, waving flags and chanting slogans against Israel.
During the playing of “Hatikvah,” Israel’s national anthem, sections of the Norwegian crowd booed loudly and displayed Palestinian flags in the stands. Later in the match, a pitch invader wearing a “Free Gaza” T-shirt ran onto the field before being detained by security.
Protesters outside carried signs reading “Show Israel the red card” and “Stop apartheid and genocide.” Organizers had expected up to 4,000 participants, but police said turnout was lower.
Oslo Police Commander Anders Rønning told Norwegian media that large security forces were deployed “to ensure the safety of everyone — protesters, players, and the visiting Israeli team, which requires additional protection.” He said undercover officers and special units equipped with tear gas were stationed nearby.
Lina Khatib, head of the Palestinian Committee in Norway, said during the rally: “We still have a long way to go before Israel is held accountable for its crimes.”
Among the demonstrators were several Norwegian fans who waved Israeli flags alongside Norway’s, escorted by police to prevent clashes. Streets around the stadium were closed, large bags were banned, and entry gates opened early due to tight security checks. Police reported removing three protesters for “threatening behavior.”
On the pitch, Israel’s hopes for an upset were crushed, suffering a 5–0 defeat — their second consecutive heavy loss in the qualifiers — with Erling Haaland scoring a hat trick and two own goals by Anan Khalaili and Idan Nachmias sealing the rout.