Odegaard Unloads Expletive at Silva After Late Challenge

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard directed an X-rated slur at Bernardo Silva after the Portuguese player made a late tackle during international duty. Silva was booked for the challenge, which occurred long after the ball was played, and Odegaard expressed his anger verbally.

"He completely lost his head," Odegaard told reporters after the match. "He just kicked me down long after I had played the ball. I didn't understand what he was doing."

Odegaard sustained a knock to his ankle and required a period on the grass to recover. "I took a knock to my ankle. It probably won't feel great tonight, but I'm hoping it clears up over the next few days," the 27-year-old added.

Silva, when questioned by journalists about his actions, simply stated, "That's football, my friend," and continued walking.

Norway defender Leo Ostigard commented on the tackle, calling it "very late" and "very ugly" on video, suggesting it could have warranted a red card. "It’s a terrible tackle. It’s just appallingly bad. That’s the sort of thing we don’t want to see for our captain. When it comes that long after the play, it looks quite deliberate," Ostigard said. He added that opponents are likely frustrated by Odegaard's performance, but that does not excuse such challenges.

Norway manager Stale Solbakken advised Odegaard to get ice and compression on his ankle. Portugal ultimately won the Nations League match 2-1, with goals from Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos, while Erling Haaland scored for Norway. Norway is scheduled to play Portugal again in Norway on Sunday.