Early morning on the 21st October we started from Zurich with Helvetic Airways to Oslo. While some of us preferred to sleep, some played cards. Arrived in Oslo we were surprised by beautiful rainy and windy weather. Therefore, our traditional “Cultural Celtic Supporters Day” was shortened to seeing a bit of Oslo, like the Kings house and the harbour. After that we were soaked and decided to get a first pint. Surprise, the pints were more expensive than in Switzerland. For us a totally new experience.
We went on to pick up our friends Pat and Jill at the station and drinking some pints at Olso Sports Bar, where the local Celtic fans uusally meet up. And ended the day in The Dubliners Pub with loads of Tims and quite good live Irish music.
Early in the morning we travelled to Oslo airport and then to Molde. What a beautiful view we got over the incredible landscapes of Molde from the airplane! In between of 10 minutes two airplanes full of Celtic fans arrived and tried to get all in one bus.. well logically this didn’t work and some had to wait. In Molde town everything was still closed except 1-2 restaurants. So we headed for breakfast and beer.
From 2 onwards the pubs opened and matchday atmosphere spread more and more. The Celtic fans mostly enjoyed the 1910 Puben, the local Molde fans pub. We had a great time (http://tiny.cc/fodj5x) and at some point Ronny even walked the 3 min way from the Stadium to the Hotel. The fans quickly realized and the pub was empty in between of 30 seconds. Ronny took his time to take some pictures and have a chat.
Some hours ago after we got a small stadium tour by ourselves (we asked one Steward if we can enter and have a look around) I ran back to the stadium as I heard that the Celtic team is doing a round at the harbour at the stadium. I met Broony, Gordon and Fasan. The Captain replied to my “Can I please have a picture with yous, I travelled over from Switzerland to see the Hoops playing.” With “have you been jogging here from Switzerland, eh?!” doing a typical broony-banter. Gratefully they took me some pictures too.
It was time for the match. Of course it was pouring down again, especially for the game. We went early and they wouldn’t let us in with the banners and although they took us out of the rain and placed the Celtic fans with no away tickets all together in the balcony, they split the fans in two groups. We couldn’t hear each other sing. It was a pitty, just like the game. Celtic played dreadful. Molde only played counter football, but at least with skill and passion. The home support was stunned by the Celtic fans, but after the first goal started singing too. The Molde fans were very nice with us, as well as the club stewards.
I better stop talking about the game at this point, but all in all it was a normal Celtic European away game – horrific.
After some pints in the hotel lobby and dried cloths the mood got back and we all enjoyed some good hours talking with fellow Celts and some Molde fans. Some even gave us their scarves and blankets (?). Great people. Thanks for the good time 🙂
The next morning we’ve been surprised by our friend Gary Patrick Mullen, who replayed the “Commons incident” in a genius way and placed in on Facebook. I shared it on our page and it went totally viral.
A good and funny end to an amazing trip in a beautiful country! I will be back to Norway, no question. With or without Celtic, but surely prideful wearing the Hoops.
Hail, Hail!
Stevie