Why did Norway football team’s Viking-themed photoshoot become controversial? How did critics link this photoshoot to neo-Nazi and extreme nationalist ideology? How did Norway coach Ståle Solbakken react to this whole controversy?
Oslo: Even before the start of the Football World Cup, the Norway team is embroiled in a major controversy. The team’s star player Erling Holland and his teammates got a special photoshoot done, which has now become the center of discussion. In this photoshoot, all the players are seen in the costumes of Norway’s traditional ‘Viking’ warriors. But as soon as these pictures came out, social and political critics started raising questions on it. These pictures are being accused of racial discrimination and promoting ‘neo-Nazi’ thinking.
This special photoshoot was done on a beach in Oslo before leaving for the World Cup to be held in America. It was shot by Scotland’s famous photographer David Yarrow. In the pictures, players are carrying real shields, bows and axes and Viking ships are also seen behind them. As soon as the Norwegian Football Association released these pictures, a big debate broke out over it.
What is the reason for the dispute?
Critics say it is wrong to glorify the culture of the Vikings, who were known for plundering, attacking and brutality in Europe in ancient times. Well-known journalist Markus Slethome of Norwegian newspaper ‘Morgenbladet’ has strongly criticized this photoshoot. He alleged that these pictures promote extreme nationalism and reflect an ideology that alienates certain sections of the society. He even said that these pictures were reminiscent of the ideas that ‘neo-Nazi’ groups used to present in Europe about 10 years ago.
Along with this, researcher Jan Haug Skoldli’s recent comment on Norway’s World Cup jersey is also in discussion. He had told that some of the symbols on the back of the jersey resemble the symbolic language used by fascist and neo-Nazi movements, which is extremely dangerous. When the controversy escalated, Norway’s coach Ståle Solbakken was asked questions about this in the press conference. However, he rejected all these controversies outright. Koch said, “There are bigger and more serious issues in the world. I don’t have time to waste on such things.”
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On the other hand, these pictures are getting tremendous support from the fans on the Instagram page of the Football Association. Most fans believe that these pictures reflect the history and tradition of Norway and show the unity of the team. This time in the World Cup, Norway’s team is in a strong group with France, Senegal and Iraq. Fans have high expectations from this ‘golden generation’ consisting of players like Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard.