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SportsNorwegian fan refuses Viking rowing cheer, cites historical inaccuracy
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During Norway's 2-1 upset victory over Brazil in the World Cup, Norwegian fan Emil Lapen stood out by refusing to participate in the popular Viking rowing cheer. In an interview with Sky Sports, Lapen explained that he finds the cheer stupid and noisy, and historically inaccurate, as Vikings used sailboats, not rowing, to cross the Atlantic. He also criticized the cheer as a direct copy of Iceland's thunderclap cheer. Lapen stated he will never perform the rowing cheer, even if Norway continues winning, and plans to watch the quarterfinal against England from home.
Source report
Hupu Football News — July 11
According to media reports, during Norway's shocking 2-1 upset victory over five-time World Cup champions Brazil, Norwegian fan Emil Lappen appeared in the crowd. However, one detail set him apart from other supporters: he did not join the other fans in making the Viking rowing cheer.
The unconventional Norwegian fan remained expressionless throughout, refusing to participate in this trend that has become wildly popular in World Cup stadiums. In an interview with Sky Sports, he explained:
"I just think this move is particularly stupid and noisy. I don't want to do it at all. Historically, it's wrong. Vikings didn't row across the Atlantic; they sailed using sailboats."
Emil Lappen also stated that the lyrics of the new song "Row, Row, Row" distort history, fabricating a story of Vikings rowing across the sea. He said:
"When this song came out, I thought it was ridiculous. I wanted to show through my actions that I don't approve of this practice. I think everyone should understand my stance. Vikings did row on inland rivers, but when crossing the Atlantic, they used sailboats."
Lappen also fiercely criticized this stadium craze, bluntly calling it a direct copy of Iceland's iconic thunderclap cheer. He continued:
"They just changed the move, but it's essentially a complete plagiarism of Iceland's cheer. They want the same electrifying stadium response Iceland had, just with a different set of body movements."
Norway will next face England in the quarterfinals in Miami, hoping to continue their historic World Cup journey. When asked by reporters if he would attend the match, Lappen immediately said he would comfortably support the team from his living room sofa.
"Norway can win as many games as they want, but I will never do the rowing cheer."
Source: The Sun
International Football News
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Truly brilliant
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Couldn't hold it in
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