Bernardo Silva hits back on debate over Odegaard tackle! - Source: Getty
Bernardo Silva hits back on debate over Odegaard tackle! - Source: Getty
Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva has hit back at calls for a red card after his late tackle on Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard in the win over Norway. The 32-year-old came on as a substitute in the game that ended 2-1 in favor of Portugal.
Silva, who replaced Pedro Neto in the 87th minute, hacked Odegaard down with a nasty challenge in the dying embers of the UEFA Nations League clash. The Arsenal star was visibly upset after the tackle and received treatment. Odegaard was also seen limping back onto the Norway team bus after the contest.
Norway defender Leo Ostigard described the tackle from Silva as 'terribly bad' and believes it looked quite 'deliberate'. He also suggested that the Portugal star should have received a red card.
However, speaking about the incident inside the mixed zone after the game, Silva dismissed such claims. He stated that it's just football, playing down the incident. Silva responded:
"My friend, it's football."
Arsenal skipper Odegaard also spoke about the challenge after the game. He remains hopeful that he can be fine in the next few days, but insisted that the tackle made no sense since it came long after he played the ball away.
Odegaard stated:
"I got a knock on my ankle. It probably won't be good tonight, but I'm betting it will be fine in the next few days. He just kicked me down long after I had played the ball away. I didn't understand what he was talking about."
Norway next face Wales in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday, before they meet Silva and Portugal once again on Sunday.
Odegaard has picked up serious form at Arsenal since his World Cup exploits with Norway
Since the dream run to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Norway captain Odegaard has translated his good form to club colors. The 27-year-old scored in the Community Shield win over Manchester City, before bagging another goal in the opening game of the Premier League season against Coventry.
Odegaard also found the winner in the crucial derby win over Chelsea at the Emirates. His goal in Arsenal's opening Champions League game sealed a 1-0 win over Napoli as well.
Mikel Arteta will be relying on the star midfielder to produce consistent performances throughout the season as Arsenal stay in the hunt to win multiple trophies. As such, the north London club will be hoping the tackle from Silva does not leave a lasting impact on the player.