'It's football, my friend': Bernardo Silva's blunt response after late tackle leaves Arsenal's Odegaard limping

From the Newshound archive · first published 28 September 2026 · last updated 29 September 2026.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard limped out of Ullevaal Stadium after Bernardo Silva kicked him from behind in stoppage time of Norway's 2-1 Nations League defeat to Portugal on Sunday. Odegaard confronted Silva on the pitch, repeatedly shouting 'F**k you', before telling TV2 the challenge 'doesn't belong on a football field.' Silva, who joined Real Madrid this summer, shrugged off the backlash as he walked through the mixed zone, telling journalists: 'What? That is football, my friend.' Odegaard hopes the ankle knock will settle within days but faces assessment before Norway's trip to Wales on Thursday.

Silva was booked for the challenge, which came well after Odegaard had released the ball, but Norway defender Leo Ostigaard said it warranted a red card.

Odegaard told TV2 Silva never apologised: 'It's a head fog from him — just kicks me down long after I've played the ball away.'

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta already has Kai Havertz back early from Germany duty with a hamstring injury, adding to his mounting injury concerns.