Blackburn Rovers fans took on a new spectacle at the weekend with the help of some Icelandic fans.
During the teams’ 2-1 crucial win over local rivals Preston North End, one Icelandic fan got the crowd pumping with a rendition of their well-known Viking clap.
Back in the summer of 2016, Iceland’s performance at the European Championships saw not only high-quality football, eventually knocking out England, but also the mesmerising chant – which became a world sensation.
It consists of onlooking supporters performing the chant by clapping in unison, while shouting a thunderous “huh” to the sky, and has since been adopted by other clubs and sports.
Yasir Sufi, head of commercial and partnerships at the club captured the moment, having previously spoken to the Icelandic fans about the event.
When a plan comes together.
— Yasir Sufi (@yasirsufi) January 31, 2025
Thank you to the Icelandic Rovers fans for making the journey to Ewood Park and getting the fans on their feet. pic.twitter.com/LVZipJrOHs
He said on X: “When a plan comes together. Thank you to the Icelandic Rovers fans for making the journey to Ewood Park and getting the fans on their feet.”
The chant has not just taken off in Lancashire and the clap has been adopted by the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings, the NRL's Canberra Raiders and golf's European Ryder Cup team.
Starting in 2014, when Stjarnan faced the Scottish side Motherwell in a Europa League qualifying campaign, fans of the Icelandic side heard the clap and decided to bring it back.
It had some impact on the Rovers players, who jumped to a two-goal lead thanks to goals from Makhtar Gueye and Todd Cantwell, with Brad Potts getting a late consolation goal for the visitors.
The win was crucial in keeping Rovers’ playoff hopes alive, with the team currently sat in fifth having played over two-thirds of the season.
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