The Norwegian top-flight match between Rosenborg and Lillestrom made headlines on Sunday for all the wrong reasons. Fans took their frustration with the use of video assistant referees (VAR) to a whole new level by throwing tennis balls, smoke bombs, and even fishcakes onto the pitch, ultimately leading to the abandonment of the game with only 32 minutes played.
VAR, which was introduced into the Eliteserien in 2023, has been a source of controversy since its inception. While the technology aims to improve decision-making in football, it has also faced backlash from fans across Europe. In Norway, fan groups have been vocal in their opposition to VAR, with last year’s anti-VAR demonstration being a clear example of their discontent.
The protest at the Rosenborg-Lillestrom match is just the latest in a series of fan-led actions against VAR. In neighboring Sweden, fan pressure led to the country becoming the first to reject implementing VAR after a strong backlash. The Swedish Football Federation president, Fredrik Reinfeldt, who initially supported the idea, was forced to backtrack on plans for VAR trials following fan objections.
The rejection of VAR in Sweden highlights the power that fans can have in shaping football policies. In Norway, where clubs are owned by their members, fan voices carry significant weight in decision-making processes. The recent abandonment of the Rosenborg-Lillestrom match serves as a stark reminder of the growing discontent among fans regarding the use of technology in football.
While VAR has its benefits in improving the accuracy of referee decisions, its implementation has also raised questions about the integrity and spirit of the game. The rejection of VAR in Sweden and the protests in Norway signal a broader conversation within the football community about the role of technology in the sport.
As fans continue to voice their opposition to VAR, it remains to be seen how football authorities will respond to the growing discontent. The recent events in Norway and Sweden serve as a reminder that, ultimately, football is a game that belongs to the fans, and their voices should be heard in shaping its future.
