Odegaard incident sparks backlash as Bernardo Silva faces online abuse | OneFootball

Bernardo Silva faced a torrent of online abuse after a late foul on Martin Odegaard as Portugal closed out a 2-1 win in Norway.

The 32-year-old came on in the closing minutes and caught the Arsenal midfielder with a heavy challenge. Andreas Schjelderup said, "It is part of the game. It is an ugly late challenge. It is a little over the top, but unfortunately referees cannot see everything", speaking to TV2.

Odegaard later said such behaviour has no place in football, and Silva’s most recent Instagram post was soon inundated with hostile replies. Messages included wishes for injury and accusations of dirty play, while many users posted rat emojis and called him a rat.

The former Benfica player also faced calls to retire in the comments. The backlash followed his brief cameo as Portugal sought to protect their lead in stoppage time.

At club level this season with Real Madrid, Bernardo Silva is valued at 22 million euros and has six La Liga appearances. He has played 282 minutes and recorded one assist.

Source: Glorioso 1904

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