Iceland’s fearless squad returned home from their magnificent Euro 2016 adventure to a well-deserved heroes’ welcome. Lars Lagerback and Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side enjoyed an unprecedented run in the competition, making it all the way to the last eight before hosts France proved just too good for the Euro-minnows. But back on home soil, there was still time for one more spine-tingling ‘Viking Clap’ celebration.
Returning home, the squad were greeted by the mother of all ‘Viking Clap’ celebrations, as performed by 10,000 proud Icelanders…
Iceland’s football team arrive home. What a welcome this is. pic.twitter.com/fF3vl1mIhP
— SimonNRicketts (@SimonNRicketts) July 4, 2016
15,000 Iceland fans do the ‘Viking Hand Clap’ after defeat to France.. #ISL 👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/WGsmU5GyOX
— The Away Fans Videos (@TheAwayFansVids) July 4, 2016
Apparently the clapping display originates not from the Vikings, but from none other than Scottish Premiership side Motherwell. According to Icelandic newspaper Morgunblaðið, local side Stjarnan first witnessed the chant on their Europa League visit to Fir Park in 2014. And the rest is history!
Let’s hope this won’t be the last we see of Iceland and their superb chant in a major finals tournament.