Odegaard condemns Bernardo Silva’s late tackle as ‘unacceptable’

Odegaard furious after late Silva challenge

Martin Odegaard has condemned Bernardo Silva’s late tackle during Norway’s 2-1 Nations League defeat by Portugal, saying the challenge was unacceptable and had no place in football.

The incident occurred late in the match at Ullevaal Stadion. Odegaard had collected the ball in his own half and played it forward before Silva arrived late and swiped at the Arsenal midfielder. The Norway captain was visibly angered, later confronting Silva when he received the ball.

“It does not belong on a football pitch,” Odegaard told TV2. “It’s a shame that people behave like that. He completely lost his head. He just kicks me down long after I’ve played the ball. I don’t understand what he’s doing.”

Odegaard appeared to be in pain at the final whistle and did not take a late corner as Norway searched for an equaliser. He said Silva did not apologise, instead responding to questions about the challenge with: “It’s football, my friend.”

Norway players call for stronger punishment

Norway defender Leo Ostigard said the challenge was extremely late and believed a red card would have been justified after reviewing the incident.

“It’s a really nasty one. It’s just absolutely awful to do,” Ostigard said. “When it comes that long after the ball has gone, it looks pretty deliberate.”

Norway’s defeat came after Joao Felix gave Portugal a first-half lead. Erling Haaland equalised six minutes after the restart, but Goncalo Ramos restored Portugal’s advantage by capitalising on an error from Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.

Odegaard also revealed that he had suffered an ankle knock, leaving his availability for Norway’s remaining fixtures against Wales and Portugal uncertain. “I hope not,” he said when asked whether he would miss the upcoming games. “I got a knock on my ankle there, so it probably won’t be good [short term].”