Partner of Norway's misfit slams online hate: Think better

On the pitch, Alexander Sørloth missed a golden chance for Noorwegen in the WK‑duel against Engeland, while off it Partner Lena Selnes confronts a flood of online hate aimed at the Noorwegen-schlemiel. The contrast between a split‑second decision and a relentless digital onslaught forces fans to Denk beter na about the pressures on the Noorse striker.

Sørloth received the opportunity just before the break in the WK‑duel to put Noorwegen in a highly favourable position. He found himself in a two‑against‑one duel with Erling Haaland and could have laid the ball wide to his unmarked teammate, but chose to shoot for personal glory, only to see John Stones block the effort. Two minutes later Jude Bellingham equalised, and Engeland eventually secured a 2‑1 victory after extra time.

De backlash erupted after Norway’s elimination from the WK, with Sørloth inundated by hateful messages and even death threats on social media. The threats urged him to commit suicide and included explicit references to killing him, prompting widespread condemnation. The surge of abuse was highlighted in a post that referenced the WK" incident, underscoring the severity of the online vitriol.

Partner Lena Selnes shared a portion of the messages on Sunday, stating, “Sport brings much joy, but also a lot of hate.” She added, “I actually do not want to give this attention, but after such reactions I must, and I hope everyone, regardless of the situation, Denk beter na before posting such comments.” Selnes also indicated that legal steps may be taken against the most serious threats.

The stark contrast between a fleeting on‑field decision and a prolonged off‑field assault highlights how quickly a single moment can spiral into personal turmoil. It also shows that while the Noorse striker reflects on missed chances, his partner urges the public to reconsider their behaviour. The episode suggests that governing bodies may need to strengthen protections for players as they navigate the biggest stage of the WK.