Norway Set for FIFA Punishment After 'Rule Breach' in Israel Clash
Norway could be facing punishment from FIFA after a message displayed prior to their clash with Israel.
Stale Solbakken's men faced Israel in a World Cup qualifier and Erling Haaland continued his red-hot form in front of goal by bagging a hat-trick after missing an early penalty in a 5-0 win.
But Norway may well be sanctioned after breaking FIFA regulations prior to the clash at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo.
The Scandanvian country have been one of the most vocal nations when it comes to the situation in Gaza, even calling for Israel to be banned from participating in international competition in the same way Russia have.
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Following on from a recent gesture from Galatasaray when they played Liverpool in the Champions League, many Palestinian flags were displayed in the stands throughout the contest - as well as a banner, which read, "Let children live". There were also chants of 'Free Palestine'.
It's believed 67,000 Palestinians have been killed since the attack.
FIFA's rules state that “political, ideological, offensive or discriminatory slogans, banners, symbols or acts” are not allowed inside stadiums - including flags, T-shirts, chants, gestures, or displays.
Possible punishments include hefty fines, stadium closures and even match forfeits in the most severe cases.
Serbia were fined in two separate instances for political chants and banners.
Protests ahead of Norway vs Israel
Ahead of the game, The Telegraph reported that hundreds of Pro-Palestine protesters staged a march which began with a gathering outside the Norwegian parliament.
With Palestine flags and flares, they then moved on towards the national stadium, where there was an increased security presence and a reduced amount of fans allowed in.
The events followed FIFA president Gianni Infantino calling for protesters to be remain calm ahead of Israel's qualifying fixtures - with US President Donald Trump stating that a first phase of a peace plan had commenced.
Before that development, it was reported that UEFA were set to suspend Israel.
“Now everyone should be happy about (the peace plan) and everyone should support the process,” Infantino said, speaking to reporters.
“Of course this goes beyond football — but includes football as well.”
Israel and Hamas struck a peace agreement, with troops beginning to withdraw on Friday.
On Tuesday, Israel are in action once again when they take on Italy - another nation who have made their feelings clear on the conflict with a number of protests - including at the gates of the Italy's training centre.
The qualifier takes place in Udine, whose Mayor Alberto Felice De Toni had demanded for the game to be postponed.
Prior to news of the peace plan gathering pace, it was reported that 10,000 protesters were poised to turn out.
Topics: Norway, FIFA World Cup
Josh Lawless