Norwegian handball club DHK voices discomfort over match against Israeli team amid security concerns

This weekend, players from Norwegian handball club DHK celebrated their victory against the Italian team Pallamano Conservano and their progression in the European Cup. However, the excitement quickly faded when they learned that their next opponent would be an Israeli team.

Coach Kristian Kjelling expressed discomfort with the situation, stating on the club’s website, “I cannot hide that this is something I deeply do not want. I strongly oppose what the Israelis are doing in the Middle East right now.” Players have also reacted to the upcoming match. Tobias Mehren Søberg commented, “It’s not like I wanted us to face such an opponent, and just because we are playing against them doesn’t mean we support what the Israeli state is doing in the Middle East.”

Given security concerns, the away match will not take place in Israel but rather on Norwegian soil. DHK has had several meetings with the police regarding potential violent protests similar to those that occurred when Israel’s U19 team visited Skien in March, where hundreds demonstrated outside the stadium.

Authorities recommend that the matches against Holon Yuvalim HC be played in front of empty stands. Kjelling noted, “In light of what is happening in the world, empty stands are the least of our problems.”

DHK also risks a hefty fine for refusing to play against the Israeli team. In 2022, the club chose not to travel to Russia due to safety concerns amid the Ukraine conflict. The European Handball Federation threatened sanctions if DHK failed to comply again, prompting club chairman Ragnhild Larsen-Nyhus Haaning to assert that the club has no choice but to face their Israeli opponent. She highlighted the lack of sanctions from the Norwegian government or sports authorities, reinforcing the club’s obligation to follow established guidelines.