A Controversial 44th-Minute Decision Against England Is Now Haunting Norway’s Alexander Sørloth With Violent Messages From Angry Fans
‘He ran straight into traffic.’
Norway’s Alexander Sørloth is facing a wave of violent online abuse after his team’s heartbreaking exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The fallout has spiraled into something far uglier than a missed opportunity on the pitch. According to The Print, the Atletico Madrid striker and his partner, Lena Selnes, have been bombarded with death threats and vile messages following Norway’s 2-1 extra-time loss to England in the quarterfinals.
The backlash centers on a controversial decision in the 44th minute that critics say cost Norway the game. Now, some are making sure Sørloth pays in the worst way possible. The moment in question came with Norway leading 1-0 and Sørloth breaking free on a counter-attack alongside Erling Haaland. Instead of passing to his wide-open teammate, Sørloth opted to take a shot himself. England defender John Stones blocked the attempt, and the momentum shifted.
England equalized before full time, then scored the winner in extra time through Jude Bellingham. Former England striker Alan Shearer didn’t mince words in his assessment, calling the decision a tactical blunder. “Sørloth should have played through Haaland with speed much earlier,” he said. “He chose not to do it, and then there was no way through. He ran straight into traffic.”
Sørloth addressed the criticism in a post-match press conference
He insisted his intention was always to find Haaland. “I take a touch and look up, and then I see that Stones blocks that pass,” he explained. “Then I take another touch, and that is too bad. I wait for him to make a move instead of me making him make a move. The only thing I want in that situation there, is to pass to Erling. Then it feels like that pass isn’t there, and then I go for the shot.”
The 30-year-old admitted the defeat stings, especially on the world’s biggest stage. “It’s those kinds of things you wish you could have done better,” he said. “I know that new opportunities will come, but it’s naturally heavy when it’s on the biggest stage, and we are fighting to get to a World Cup semi-final.”
The backlash, however, has gone far beyond second-guessing a split-second decision. The Mirror reports that Selnes shared screenshots of the abuse on her Instagram story, revealing messages that included, “Tell ur husband to leave Norway and jump from a cliff,” and “Gonna kill him.” Another user told the couple to kill themselves.
Selnes responded with a plea for basic decency. “The World Cup and football bring a lot of joy, but also a lot of hate,” she wrote. “I don’t really want to give it any attention, but feel the need to after comments like this.” She urged fans to think before posting such vitriol, ending her message with a handshake and heart emoji.
Sørloth wasn’t on the pitch when England scored the winner
He was subbed out midway through the second half, replaced by Fulham’s Oscar Bobb. That detail hasn’t stopped the torrent of hate, though. The abuse highlights a growing problem in football, where players and their families are subjected to relentless harassment over moments that, in reality, are just part of the game.
Norway’s historic run to the quarterfinals – including knockout-stage wins over the Ivory Coast and Brazil – should have been a celebration. Instead, it’s been overshadowed by the ugliness of online fandom.
Norway’s journey to the quarterfinals was nothing short of remarkable. The team, nicknamed the “Vikings,” captured global attention with their fearless play and viral fan rituals. Captain Martin Odegaard and Haaland were the driving forces behind the success.
Haaland, in particular, was unstoppable, scoring seven goals in the tournament. Odegaard, meanwhile, dominated the midfield, completing 102 passes in the final third. Their chemistry on the field made Norway a team to watch, and their deep tournament run was the best in the nation’s history.
Off the field, the ‘Viking Row’ became one of the most iconic fan traditions of the 2026 World Cup. The ritual started as a grassroots movement before the tournament and quickly went viral.
Thousands of Norwegian supporters would sit or crouch shoulder-to-shoulder, pulling imaginary oars while chanting “Ro!” – Norwegian for “row” – in perfect synchronization. The display was a testament to the passion and unity of Norway’s fanbase, a stark contrast to the hate now being directed at Sørloth and his family.
The abuse Sørloth is facing isn’t just about football
It’s a reflection of how social media has warped the way fans engage with the sport. A single mistake – or even a perceived one – can spiral into a personal vendetta, with players and their loved ones bearing the brunt of the anger. Selnes’ decision to speak out wasn’t just about defending her partner. It was a call to action for fans to remember that athletes are human beings, not characters in a game.
The pressure of performing on the world stage is immense, and the last thing players need is to be terrorized by anonymous trolls when the final whistle blows. For Sørloth, the road ahead will involve moving past this moment, both on and off the field. Norway’s historic World Cup run may have ended in heartbreak, but the team’s legacy is secure.
(Featured image: MichaelEmilio)
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
Follow The Mary Sue:
