Brighton supporters discovered an amusing method to voice their opinions about drink prices while soaking up Tromso’s pleasant weather on Thursday.
Norwegian television and radio crews making their way over for interviews were treated to renditions of the popular chant about Tromso’s high costs and wanting to return home, delivered with mirth and grins.
The supporters showed no inclination to hurry back as they savoured respite from Britain’s recent heatwave and Tromso’s typical summer downpours.
Supporters made the journey to the Arctic Circle to witness the opening competitive fixture of the campaign as their club faced Tromso IL.
They had been frequenting the waterfront district under bright sunshine from the early hours.
Some clouds gathered during the afternoon as pre-match socialising really got underway.
Everything appeared thoroughly amicable from what could be observed.
Brighton’s suggestion to congregate at a multi-level sports establishment featuring a couple of rooftop patios, centrally located and close to the harbour, proved sound.
The cost of refreshments proved reasonable for the region and comparable to Brighton at eight pounds.
One supporter, Harry Good, described residents as welcoming while noting prices were steep despite the wonderful setting.
He noted Tromso present a difficult challenge, pointing to their recent 5-0 victory over Cluj, though adding that Cluj demonstrated limitations in the return fixture. He expressed confidence in securing a positive result to carry back to the Amex.
Devoted follower Kev Brimley ventured across the water and rode the cable car to appreciate Tromso’s impressive panorama.
Fans and members of Brighton’s official travelling party generally seemed captivated by their environment.
From the mountain and seaside vistas along the route from Tromso airport to the remarkable setting of Romssa Arena, which was always destined to be packed for this fixture.
Local residents posed questions several times about whether the return match would also sell out.
That seems improbable, though Brighton have maintained reasonable pricing and are eager to establish a secondary home section in the South Stand.
Interest in English football runs high in this region, meaning Brighton were opponents fans had been eager to anticipate.
A fellow passenger on the connecting flight from Oslo supported both Tromso and Arsenal, while his father backed Huddersfield Town.
A local journalist with whom I shared a glass of the regional Mack brew, from the brewery claiming to be the world’s most northerly, named Wimbledon as his English club.
This stirred memories of the old Plough Lane with its distinctive fencing and electricity pylons.
The Romssa Arena, positioned above the town centre requiring an uphill walk, bore no resemblance to Plough Lane.
Yet it may have come as close as Brighton could find in these modern top-flight times.
This represented a meeting of two footballing traditions in the Arctic Circle.
An encounter those who travelled, regardless of their route, will recall whenever they pay under ten pounds for a drink.