A soccer match in Norway’s top league, the Eliteserien, was disrupted on Sunday when a part of the away supporters’ stand gave way, leading to several fans falling. The incident occurred during a game between Tromsø and Bodø/Glimt, both clubs located in the Arctic Circle region.
According to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, four Bodø/Glimt fans received medical treatment, and one was taken to the hospital. The game, played at Tromsø’s stadium in northern Norway, eventually resumed. Bodø/Glimt, currently competing in the Champions League, secured a 2-0 victory, bringing them level on points with league leaders Viking after 26 rounds.
The stadium announcer provided an update during the second half, stating that the hospitalized fan was in stable condition, NRK reported. A fan who witnessed the event described the scene as chaotic. “There were many people falling forward. We were all standing and jumping around each other when it happened,” the supporter told NRK. “You see people falling down, and then you see a hole. Then you understand what has happened. It was a terrible experience … The only thing to do was to get away from the situation in case the stand gave way more. My body is shaking badly after this.”
Tromsø issued a statement acknowledging a “serious incident in the away section during the match. Preliminary information indicates that a person has fallen through the stands and sustained injuries.” The club’s statement did not provide further details on the injuries.
NRK reported that the collapse happened in the 41st minute of the match, amid heavy rain. Bodø/Glimt’s goalkeeper, Nikita Haikin, alerted the referee, Ola Hobber Nilsen, leading to the game being stopped. Play resumed after discussions involving the Norwegian Football Federation, Bodø/Glimt, supporters, police, and stadium staff, according to Tromsø.
