Fans of Euro 2016 debutants Iceland were not pleased with France’s imitation of the ‘Viking Clap’ during their semi-final fixture against Germany. Fans of Les Bleus inside Stade Velodrome could be seen doing the famous Viking clap that was a trademark of Iceland during their memorable time at the tournament before they were knocked out by the hosts. But the boys in blue bowed out of the competition with pride having won the hearts of millions of fans across the globe for their impressive performance despite being the underdogs, and their trademark chant.
France players performing the Viking Clap in front of their fans after knocking Germany out of the Euro 2016
The original Viking Clap performed by Iceland players at the European Championship
Portugal were not spared by the trolls either. Seleccao finished behind Iceland in Group F, which was quite embarrasing following Cristiano Ronaldo's comments after their opening match with Lars Lagerbacks's men when the two sides shared the spoils. Ronaldo had criticised Iceland for having a 'small team' mentality due to their defensive game against the Euro 2016 finalists. Check out the tweets below:
The French clap does not have the drums and neither the agonizing long silence between the claps. But of course it looked similar last night
— Icelandic Football (@icelandfootball) July 8, 2016Sorry for accusing France of stealing our "HUH". People have pointed out that it's a French clap. It's also different (less intimidating).
— Icelandic Football (@icelandfootball) July 8, 2016Jesus christ France...you beat us, find your own way to celebrate your win! #embarrasing
— Icelandic Football (@icelandfootball) July 7, 2016
The Euro 2016 final will be between the only team that managed to beat Iceland and a team that finished below Iceland in the group..Not bad!
— Icelandic Football (@icelandfootball) July 7, 2016
Fans from other teams in the tournament were also not pleased with ‘copy cats’ France. We have compiled some of their reactions:
Why is France doing the Viking clap it's a Iceland thing
— USWNT af (@NotAlexMorgan13) July 7, 2016
France copying Iceland with the 'Viking Clap' and making a fool of themselves. It's Iceland's chant and only suits them
— Laura (@laura__sandra) July 7, 2016
In retrospect France's celebration was garbage! Stealing Iceland's "Viking Clap" instead of dancing "Lingala" like the "miros" they are
— Dr.iDaywa (@iDaywa) July 8, 2016
France, please don't copy Iceland's awesome viking clap, so lame!
— papiGiulio (ง︡'-'︠)ง (@Papigiulio) July 8, 2016
rt if u think france should never attempt the viking clap again
— chichasoniahimoviç (@soniaweii) July 7, 2016
Hope Portugal beat France just for stealing Iceland's Viking Clap.
— Azka Adil (@Axzka) July 7, 2016
Only Iceland can do the 'Iceland Viking Clap' considering its named after them.. France being gimps and trying to show passion by doing it
— Corey Jack Patterson (@CoreyJack7) July 7, 2016
