Ex-Liverpool star branded 'dinosaur' over Odegaard comments

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Steve Nicol's assessment of Bernardo Silva's late challenge on Martin Odegaard has triggered a wave of criticism in Norway, with the former Liverpool defender accused of being stuck in a bygone era.

The Arsenal captain appeared to sprain his ankle after being caught by the Portugal midfielder in the closing stages of Norway's 2-1 Nations League defeat in Oslo last Sunday. The incident dominated the post-match conversation, with players, managers and pundits on both sides weighing in.

Nicol, speaking on ESPN's coverage in the United States, took a markedly different view to most.

Nicol: 'It's a little reminder'

"People have been doing that for a 100 years," Nicol said. "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."

He continued: "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."

The response in Norway was immediate. Supporters queued up on social media to push back, and Dagbladet pundit Bernt Hulsker — in Cardiff to cover Norway's Nations League meeting with Wales — delivered a blunt verdict, as reported by football.london.

"What a dinosaur," Hulsker said. "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 set for Bernardo rematch

The more pressing concern for Arsenal supporters was the state of the 27-year-old's ankle, and on that front the news is encouraging. Odegaard has been named in Norway's squad for the trip to face Wales and, barring a setback, is expected to be available for the return fixture against Portugal at the end of the week.

That sets up the prospect of Odegaard and Bernardo Silva sharing a pitch again just days after the flashpoint that caused such a stir in Oslo.

In Portugal, meanwhile, the tackle has barely registered. The national team has far bigger problems to untangle, chief among them the Cristiano Ronaldo situation — the forward left the camp after being an unused substitute against Norway.

For Arsenal, the priority is simply getting their captain back from international duty in one piece. Attention will turn to whether Odegaard comes through the double-header unscathed before he reports back to London Colney.