Bodo/Glimt pulled level with leaders Viking Stavanger at the top of the Eliteserien after a bad-tempered 3-2 victory at the Aspmyra Stadium on Friday, a match that ended with both head coaches banished from the touchline.
The tension between Norway’s two Champions League representatives spilled over just before half-time. A heavy challenge from Viking’s Kristoffer Askildsen on Jens Petter Hauge sparked a furious row between the benches, during which Bodo/Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen yanked down the brim of Viking coach Morten Jensen’s cap. The referee showed red cards to both men.
On the pitch, it was a miserable first half for Viking defender Henrik Falchener. He diverted the ball past his own goalkeeper inside four minutes to hand the hosts an early lead, and Andreas Helmersen doubled the advantage midway through the half.
Reigning champions Viking hit back strongly, with Kristoffer Haugen and Erik Botheim scoring to restore parity. But Bodo/Glimt went back in front two minutes before the break when Hauge’s effort took a deflection off the unfortunate Falchener and wrong-footed the keeper. The goal was credited to Hauge.
The second half was every bit as combative, with plenty of hard challenges flying in, but neither side could find the net again.
Bodo/Glimt captain Patrick Berg admitted to Norwegian broadcaster TV2 that the squad had discussed the need to stay calm before kick-off. He joked that the players had managed to keep their composure better than their coach.
The result leaves the two clubs locked together on points and goal difference. Viking stay top only because of their emphatic 3-0 win over Bodo/Glimt in Stavanger earlier in the campaign, setting up a gripping finish to the title race.
