The Captain's Celebration, Expected as a “Brace” of Joy
A Saturday afternoon in the small town of Errum promised pure festivity: Martin Ødegaard—the creative midfield conductor of Arsenal and captain of Norway's national team—was heading to the altar. In front of the picturesque stone church gathered supporters, locals, and of course the press pool. For the tabloid Se og Hør, photojournalist Andreas Fadum was preparing the “perfect postcard”—shots in which the footballer finally exchanged one captain’s armband for another, the marital one.
A “Red Card” From Security Instead of Congratulations
The peaceful shoot continued without issue until the guests exited the chapel. Yet as the procession moved toward the cars, two towering security guards suddenly “slid in with a tackle”: they rushed the photographer with hockey-style grips and literally forced him beyond the improvised parking perimeter. The reporter’s attempts to break free proved futile, and the camera lens visibly “skidded” in the scuffle. Fadum points out that he was on public ground, violated no privacy, and was fulfilling an editorial assignment.
Editorial Files a Lawsuit: “Fair Play for the Press Hasn’t Been Canceled”
Se og Hør Editor-in-Chief Niklas Kokkin-Torresen likened the episode to an unlawful whistle blown in stoppage time: “Physical force against a journalist in a public place is against the rules of the game. Security staff have no police authority, so their use of force is unacceptable. We have already filed a report with the station: such ‘fouls’ must be penalized, or freedom of speech will be stranded on the touchline.”
Editors' Association Takes the “VAR Podium”
The Norwegian Editors' Association quickly stepped in to review the incident, effectively activating its own video assistant referee system. Deputy Secretary-General Solveig Husøy stressed that the situation “crosses the red line”: “When pressure is applied to a photojournalist in a place where the law guarantees free access, it is more than mere rudeness—it is a direct attack on professional standards. We will support Se og Hør in the police investigation and ensure that those responsible face disciplinary sanctions.”
What Comes Next: Post-Celebration Extra Time
While the newlyweds enjoy their honeymoon, the photographer’s ejection risks becoming a precedent that could change the rules of engagement between sports stars and the media. Should the authorities confirm that the security guards exceeded their powers, Norway may tighten regulations on private events that effectively unfold in public arenas. In that case, even footballers’ romantic victories will henceforth be played under the watchful “referee’s” eye of the law on press freedom.
