Bernardo Silva ‘Lucky’ to Escape Red Card After Odegaard Clash
Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett believes Bernardo Silva was fortunate to avoid a red card during Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway.
The incident occurred late in the match when Silva appeared to kick out at Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard while attempting to stop the game from progressing. The midfielder received a yellow card, but Hackett believes the punishment should have been more severe.
Portugal eventually secured the win through goals from Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos, with Erling Haaland scoring for Norway. However, Silva’s challenge on Odegaard became one of the major talking points after the final whistle.
Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett suggested that the referee may have been less alert because the incident happened towards the end of the match. He also compared it with other recent challenges that sparked debate over whether kicking offences are being punished consistently.
Odegaard was visibly frustrated after the incident and later criticised Silva, saying he did not understand the reason for the challenge and felt such behaviour had no place on a football pitch.
Despite receiving only a yellow card, Silva avoided further punishment as VAR did not intervene. Odegaard is reportedly hopeful of recovering in time for the Premier League’s return, although Arsenal will be cautious about rushing their captain back.
