Sorlath faces intense online abuse for not passing to Haaland

Norway forward Alexander Sorloth has been the target of intense online abuse following his team’s World Cup quarter-final defeat to England, Norway manager Stelle Solbakken has confirmed.

The beginning of the incident

With Norway leading 1-0 in the match, a crucial two-on-one counter-attack opportunity arose. At that moment, Sorloth decided to take the shot himself rather than pass to the unmarked Erling Haaland. But Sorloth’s shot was blocked, and England equalised a few minutes later. England eventually won the match 2-1 in extra time. This incident led to the attack on Sorloth.

Horrific messages on social media

Sorloth’s partner Lena Selnes shared screenshots on Instagram showing numerous hateful messages directed at Sorloth, some of which even included serious incitement to the striker to take his own life.

Manager Stelle Solbakken said at a press conference in Miami:

“It’s very sad. We live in a world like this. I tell boys to stay away from social media, especially on days like this.”

“This is a completely meaningless topic in every possible way, there’s nothing more to say.”

Sorloth’s defense

The 30-year-old Sorloth, who plays for Atletico Madrid, justified his decision after the match, saying that England defender John Stones blocked the path for Haaland to pass.

“In that situation, my only intention was to pass to Erling. But I felt like the path for the pass wasn’t open, so I decided to take the shot,” Sorlath said.