David Beckham was met with criticism from Norwegian locals after the former footballer was spotted enjoying some quiet time by the river.

The 49-year-old was filmed fishing at the banks of Laerdal in southwest Norway, also known as the “queen of salmon rivers” which is often frequented by the nation’s royals.

Despite its tourist appeal and experience, authorities have banned salmon fishing in 33 rivers including Laerdal.

This was prompted by a parasite problem in fish farms and a concerning drop in salmon stock, that the country is desperately working to rescue.

However, David’s trip sparked uproar from authorities and locals after he may have used an expensive loophole in the regulations.

According to The Times, many complained that the athlete and his companions had been afforded special treatment.

Norway’s Atlantic salmon, which are among the largest in the world, have been in steep decline, with last year’s catch being the lowest on record and 30 per cent below the level of 2022.

The only exception to the rule is a practice known as stamfiske (stock fishing), where the salmon are caught and then transported to a hatchery, where the roe are harvested for artificial insemination.

Despite the long tradition, The Norwegian Environment Agency put an end to fishing, last month.

Ellen Hambro, Director of the Norwegian Environment Agency stated: “It’s with a heavy heart that we halt salmon fishing.

“We know that summer salmon fishing is an important tradition and a great joy for many, but now every single salmon counts.”

She added that there is “great risk for serious damage” to salmon stocks, which have also been under threat of infection from farmed fish escaping from production facilities along the coast and inside Norwegian fjords.

Express.co.uk has contacted David Beckham’s representative for further comment.