Tempers flared during Friday’s top-of-the-table clash between Bodo/Glimt and Viking Stavanger in Norway’s top football division.
Just before halftime, the head coaches of both teams were sent off following a verbal altercation on the sidelines.
During the incident, Bodo/Glimt coach Kjetil Knutsen grabbed the cap worn by Viking coach Morten Jensen. After the match—which Bodo/Glimt won 3–2—the disagreement between the two coaches reignited when they were asked about the clash during an interview with TV 2 Norway.
"You got physical. And you’re not even going to apologize? Shouldn't you apologize to a colleague? You were physical," Morten Jensen said to his fellow coach.
Kjetil Knutsen believes the Viking coach exaggerated the situation. "You need to calm down a bit. I wasn't physical with you," the Bodo/Glimt coach replied.
Kjetil Knutsen explained that, just before the confrontation between the coaches, he had reacted to a tackle on the pitch that brought down a Bodo/Glimt player.
"I reacted very strongly to the tackle, and then you came into an area where you had no business being. So I pushed you away, and in the process, I hit your cap. I apologize for that," said the Bodo/Glimt coach.
Morten Jensen maintains that, in addition to the push, Knutsen also struck his cap.
"That is very arrogant of you and shows a lack of class. It’s disappointing," said Morten Jensen. The Viking coach adds that he did not understand his sending-off. He does not believe he did anything that warranted a red card.
The tension at the top of the Eliteserien has intensified further following Bodo/Glimt’s 3-2 victory on Friday evening.
With five rounds of matches remaining, both teams have 59 points. Viking sit at the top, having scored three more goals than Bodo/Glimt, who have conceded three fewer goals. This means their goal difference is identical.