Liverpool hero causes stir as Arsenal's Martin Odegaard mocked after Bernardo Silva incident
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard hurt his ankle following Bernardo Silva's strong challenge
Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol has sparked huge backlash for comments he made about Arsenal and Norway captain Martin Odegaard following Bernardo Silva's late tackle on the 27-year-old.
The Gunners playmaker appeared to sprain his ankle after being caught by Bernardo in the final stages of Portugal 2-1 Nations League triumph over Norway in Oslo last weekend.
Much was made of the incident as Odegaard, Bernardo, players, managers and pundits all weighed in to discuss the challenge which became a major talking point in Norway.
Since then, Nicol's comments during an ESPN broadcast in the United States have caused quite a stir.
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He said: "People have been doing that for a 100 years. The guy Odegaard had taken the mickey out of Portugal for the majority of this game particularly in attacking third and it took too long for somebody to do that to him to be quite frank with you.
"It’s a little reminder. 'Hey, next time, next time we see each other, you can have some more'. I mean, 'please don’t kick me, it’s not fair' I don’t know what he’s thinking about.
"I mean, that sounds like a guy who wants plenty of time and space on the ball so he can do what he wants. And Bernardo Silva just give him a little reminder that when I’m playing, I’m not going to stand off and let you play. That’s all it is."
It's safe to say the remarks have not gone down well in Odegaard's homeland. Fans on social media have hit out at Nicol while Bernt Hulsker, a pundit for Dagbladet, didn't hold back.
Steve Nicol's comments about Martin Odegaard have received strong backlash
He said having travelled to Cardiff to cover Norway's Nations League match against Wales: “What a dinosaur. Maybe that’s how we did things a bit in my time, but he’s even older.
"There’s no point spending energy or time on it. That’s how it was. That’s not how it is anymore, Steve Nicol. We’re done with that stuff.”
Odegaard has been included in Norway's squad to face Wales and barring any twists, he should be fit to face Portugal and Bernardo at the end of the week.
In Portugal, the story of Bernardo's tackle has long been forgotten. Of course, in the national team, there are more pressing issues to resolve such as the Cristiano Ronaldo debacle. Ronaldo has left the Portugal team camp after he was an unused substitute against Norway.
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