Rosenborg BK match vs Lillestrom abandoned after fish cake VAR protest
Rosenborg BK's Eliteserien home match against Lillestrom was abandoned on Sunday after fans threw fish cakes onto the pitch in protest against Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The game was halted after two minutes of fish cake bombardment, and after protests intensified with tennis balls and smoke bombs, the match was called off around the half-hour mark with the score 0-0.
What happened during the match?
Fans began throwing fish cakes onto the field from kickoff. After two minutes of continuous throwing, the referee stopped the match and sent the players to the dressing room. The game was restarted, but protests escalated with tennis balls and smoke bombs. The referee eventually abandoned the match after around 30 minutes with no goals scored.
Why did fans protest against VAR?
VAR has been controversial in the Eliteserien, with several supporter unions criticizing the time referees spend making decisions. Fans believe the system ruins the match experience. In Sweden, the top leagues decided in April not to implement VAR due to opposition from clubs.
What does this mean for Rosenborg BK?
Rosenborg BK currently sits in 10th place in the Eliteserien with 18 points from 14 games (5 wins, 3 draws, 6 losses). The team has scored 19 goals and conceded 18, with a goal difference of +1. They are 20 points behind league leaders Bodø/Glimt. Midfielder Dino Islamović is currently sidelined.
What happens next?
It is unclear how the match will be handled going forward. Supporter protests against VAR have become more common in Norwegian football, and this may lead to further discussions about the system's future in the Eliteserien.
