Published : 28 Sep 2026, 01:42 PM
Updated : 28 Sep 2026, 01:42 PM
Martin Odegaard accused Bernardo Silva of "losing his head" after the Portugal midfielder caught him with a late challenge in the closing stages of Norway's 2-1 Nations League defeat in Oslo.
The Norway captain was left in obvious pain after the former Manchester City star arrived late from behind in stoppage time, sparking an angry reaction from Odegaard and several teammates.
"He just kicked me down long after I had played the ball. I didn't understand what he was doing," Odegaard told Norwegian broadcaster TV 2.
Bernardo was booked for the challenge.
Odegaard later said he had taken a knock to the ankle and expected it to be sore overnight, while Norway coach Stale Solbakken said the Arsenal captain had taken "a proper knock" and needed ice and compression after the game.
The incident also drew criticism from Norway's players and television pundits.
TV 2 pundit Simen Stamso Moller called the challenge "completely unnecessary", while Norway defender Leo Ostigard described it as ugly and suggested Bernardo had been fortunate to escape with only a yellow card.
Bernardo offered little explanation as he left the stadium.
"My friend, it's football," he said in the mixed zone, according to Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten.
Norway were already trailing 2-1 when the challenge happened, with Odegaard trying to push his side forward in search of an equaliser.
He finished the match but was visibly uncomfortable afterwards, although there was no immediate indication of a serious injury.
