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Each year one of the Norwegian National Broadcasters, TV 2, broadcast the Finals Live on the Sunday.

However this year they have expanded their coverage to transmit five games a day live (making a total of 36 games live over the week) from a specially setup pitch on the main site at Ekeberg – Pitch 3.

The honour of officiating the first live televised game of the week went to an English referee, David Chinery, from Wivenhoe in Essex.

Interview with David Chinery – Norway Cup Referee

I spoke to David after he finished his first game in front of the cameras – which resulted in a 2-1 victory for Viking FK over Ranheim 1.

So – David, you did the first game of the week live on TV2 – how did you enjoy it?

“Super – it was a lovely little game, the girls all enjoyed themselves. It was a very close, very competitive game – a good start to the week.”

You handled the media pressure well before the game it seemed!

“Yes, I loved all that, it was something different – something very special to me. I will probably never have another one, so I have memories now of taking charge of the first television game live on TV2 in Norway this year – so I am the first, I am unique!”

You’ve been coming here for a few years as a referee haven’t you?

“Yes – 15 years now. Each year I cannot wait to get here, it’s lovely. The atmosphere is wonderful, the children and young people are all enjoying football. There is no aggravation which is great as a Referee – the Norway Cup is just a wonderful experience.”

How do you find the other referees you work with here?

“I like the other referees and in particular working with the foreign referees. They have different cultures – and the style of refereeing is slightly different. You definitely make many friends here.”

So you’ll be back next year?

“I’ll definitely be returning next year for my 16th year!”