Why a Norwegian fan refuses to do the 'Viking Row' | OneFootball

Norwegian fan Emil Lappen is refusing to join the Viking Row, the rowing-style celebration used to back Erling Haaland and his team-mates at the 2026 World Cup and popular on social media. He says his stance is rooted in history.

Cameras picked him out during Norway’s last 16 win over Brazil, 2-1, as thousands mimed rowing in unison and he stood still. 'Honestly, I think it is really stupid. That is what I told myself when they suggested it, it was stupid and annoying, and I did not want to take part,' he told Sky News.

'It is factually wrong. They did not row, they crossed the Atlantic under sail. The Vikings rowed up rivers, but to cross the Atlantic they sailed.'

He also feels the routine looks too close to a neighbour’s tradition, pointing to Iceland’s Viking Clap that stood out at Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup. Copying it is out of the question for him.

'I will support them from my armchair, comfortably, at home. They can win whatever they want, I will not row.'

Source: Le Progres