The World Cup qualifying match between Norway and Israel in Oslo on Sunday saw both pro-Palestinian protests and a heavy police presence. Officers used large gates to block crowds outside Ullevaal Stadium. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered near the Norwegian Parliament before marching to the stadium, chanting “Free Palestine,” waving Palestinian flags, and holding banners demanding Israel’s expulsion from the tournament.
A Norwegian fan wearing a Palestine jersey was told he couldn’t enter the stadium unless he removed it. He argued that it should be allowed as long as Israeli symbols were also permitted. Police said the order came from UEFA.
In a statement, the police said: “We have issued guidance to the private security company regarding items that may be denied entry into the stadium. Those decisions are made in line with UEFA's guidelines.”
Protests were sparked after Israel was allowed to continue in the tournament despite its ongoing assault on Gaza, which has resulted in over 11,000 Palestinian deaths — the vast majority being women and children — since October 7, 2023, according to Gaza’s health ministry. In contrast, Hamas attacks killed around 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians.
Norway went on to defeat Israel 5-0.
