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Top flight match abandoned with flares, tennis balls and FISH CAKES thrown on pitch in furious protest against VAR
Managers had their say on protest with VERY different views
A TOP-FLIGHT match in Norway was abandoned after furious fans protested against VAR by throwing FISH CAKES onto the field.
The game between Rosenborg, who beat Manchester United in a friendly this week, and Lillestrom was only 30 minutes in when the referee decided to call time on proceedings.
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Supporters had launched no less than FOUR protests during that time.
And items including flares, tennis balls and even fish cakes were hurled onto the pitch in chaotic scenes.
The game lasted just two minutes before players were taken off the field as fish cakes were thrown from the stands from both sets of fans.
The savoury snacks were quickly picked up by ground staff, allowing the match to resume.
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But moments later the Lillestrom fans began to rain down tennis balls and flares on the field, forcing players to return to the dressing room for a second time.
They also held up a banner which read: “We never give up. VAR is going away.”
Fans from both sides were then warned over the intercom to stop throwing items from the stands.
But Lillestrom supporters ignored the orders and pelted the pitch with more tennis balls when the game got underway for a third time.
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Players stayed on the pitch to clear to offending items.
But Rosenborg’s home backers then joined in the protests and also threw tennis balls onto the field.
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This was a step too far for referee Rohit Saggi, who decided to call the game off completely.
And as players left the field for good, Lillestrom fans chanted: “Hate, hate, hate damn VAR.”
It now remains to be seen if Rosenborg and Lillestrom are punished by either the Norwegian FA or Fifa.
But speaking after the game, visiting boss Andreas Georgson appeared to back the protests by saying: “It is almost historic.
“When you are not listened to, civil disobedience is the last resort.”
However, Rosenborg manager Alfred Johansson was less impressed.
He said: “It’s an annoying feeling, we are all here to play, we are not allowed to do that.
“We understand they have their point of view and attitudes, but we are upset we didn’t get to play.”
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A spokesperson for the Lillestrom supporter’s group added: “I see it as a victory for those who want to abolish VAR. We got the attention we want.
“It is surreal we live in a world where Rosenborg and Lillestrom fans agree on something. We are not fans of smoke on the field but we stand with the protests.”
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