The viral 'Viking Row' celebration, a popular synchronized cheer among Norway's World Cup supporters, is facing criticism from one fan who deems it "stupid" and "factually wrong." Emil Lappen gained attention after being filmed sitting still while other fans mimicked rowing.
Lappen explained that the core of his objection lies in the historical inaccuracy of the celebration. "The Vikings sailed across the Atlantic, they didn't row," Lappen stated in an interview, referencing lyrics associated with the cheer that suggest rowing across the Atlantic. He clarified that while Vikings did row up rivers, their trans-Atlantic journeys were undertaken by sailing.
The 'Viking Row' involves Norway's players forming rows and mimicking rowing motions while fans chant. The celebration has quickly spread, with even Norwegian politicians reportedly adopting it.
Despite the presenter's suggestion that the cheer is "just a bit of fun," Lappen maintained that he felt it was "stupid" upon its release and wanted to convey his disapproval. His deliberate inaction contrasted sharply with the enthusiastic participation of other supporters.
The 'Viking Row' has drawn comparisons to Iceland's "thunder clap" celebration from the 2016 European Championship, which also achieved global recognition. However, the Norwegian celebration has also faced controversy for its perceived evocation of the Viking era's historical raids, which involved looting and pillaging. This historical context led to some criticism of a team photoshoot where players were dressed as Vikings, with some accusing it of promoting "chauvinism" and "neo-Nazi" imagery.
Despite these controversies, the Norwegian team appears to be embracing its cultural heritage during the tournament. The team is currently preparing for a quarter-final match against England in Miami.