Skien, Norway – Anti-Israel protesters clashed with police during an Israel-Norway under 19 soccer match in Skien on Tuesday. Video footage posted by pro-Palestinian activists showed demonstrators throwing rocks and fireworks at police dressed in riot gear outside the Skagerak Arena. The protesters, wearing keffiyehs and waving Palestinian flags, berated the officers and attempted to break through the stadium gates.
The Norwegian Football Federation made a decision to close the match to spectators due to safety concerns for both players and the public. This move came after a spike in tensions during the match between Israel and Norway, which ended with a 2-0 victory for Norway, eliminating Israel from UEFA European Championship Qualifying.
The group Med Israel for Fred (MIFF) had planned to attend the game before it was closed to the public. MIFF director Conrad Myrland expressed concerns over the safety of Israeli athletes if the protesters had managed to breach the stadium gates. Myrland questioned the implications of allowing violent activists to dictate who can participate in or witness sporting events.
Photographer and activist Eyad Al Zaro criticized the disparity in treatment between Israel and Russia in international sports. Al Zaro highlighted what he viewed as double standards, pointing out that Russia faces bans while Israel continues to participate in various sports events despite accusations of genocide against the Palestinian people.
The clash between protesters and police outside the Skagerak Arena underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, bringing to light the challenges faced by athletes and spectators in the midst of such controversies. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and sensitivities involved in hosting international sporting events, particularly when political tensions come into play.