Norway Star Player's Partner Speaks Out Against Online Abuse After World Cup Exit

The FIFA Women's World Cup, while a source of joy for many, also exposed the dark side of online interaction for Norwegian striker Alexander Sörloth. Following Norway's elimination by England after a 2-1 extra-time loss, Sörloth became the target of intense online vitriol.

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Commit suicide, you idiot

His partner, Lena Selnes, who has over 40,000 followers on Instagram, took to social media to expose the hateful messages directed at Sörloth. She shared examples of the abuse, including one comment that read, "Commit suicide, you idiot." Another message suggested he should "tell his friend that he [Sörloth] has to leave Norway and jump off a cliff."

Selnes stated her reluctance to draw attention to such comments but felt compelled to act. "I wouldn't want to pay attention to this, but after comments like these, I have to. I hope everyone thinks twice before commenting," she wrote. The intense backlash appears to be linked to a specific moment in the match where Sörloth had an opportunity during a counter-attack alongside teammate Erling Haaland. He failed to either pass to Haaland or take a shot himself, a decision that ultimately did not lead to Norway extending their 2-0 lead.

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Tell his friend that he [Sörloth] has to leave Norway and jump off a cliff

Sörloth, 30, currently plays for Spanish club Atlético Madrid and has two children with Selnes. The incident highlights the severe emotional toll online abuse can take on athletes and their families, even in the context of professional sports.

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I wouldn't want to pay attention to this, but after comments like these, I have to. I hope everyone thinks twice before commenting