Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva engage in heated clash with Portugal fans after Ireland defeat

Manchester City’s Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva appeared to be involved in a heated clash with Portugal fans following their 2-0 defeat against Ireland on Thursday night.

Portugal arrived in Dublin with many expecting them to confirm their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but instead delivered one of their most disappointing performances under manager Roberto Martínez.

The night unravelled early when Troy Parrott struck twice before half-time, capitalising on defensive faults and punishing a strangely passive Portugal. Matters worsened after the break when Cristiano Ronaldo – on his 226th international appearance – was dismissed following a VAR review for an elbow on Dara O’Shea – his first-ever red card at international level.

The defeat not only delayed Portugal’s qualification hopes but also intensified frustration in the stands, and while Irish supporters celebrated a famous victory, the visiting section grew increasingly vocal about their own team’s lacklustre showing and the missed opportunity to secure progression with a game to spare.

After the full-time whistle in Dublin, Portuguese fans at the Aviva Stadium made their feelings known over a drab performance that ended in defeat as players came over to applaud them and thank them for their support.

However, Manchester City duo Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva appeared to take issue with the reception they received as the former became furious having initially clapped fans, gesturing to his eyes before pointing towards certain supporters with his fingers.

Bernardo Silva would then be left incensed by the actions of some fans, as the City captain pushed away Joao Felix and marched over towards supporters while throwing his hands in the air, moving to within earshot of those in the stands and making his own feelings known.

Reactions to the exchange have widely circulated on social media, with Ruben Dias – normally composed and controlled – showing rare signs of visible anger; perhaps an indication of just how much the defeat stung the senior core of the team.

Bernardo Silva, meanwhile, has often been one of Portugal’s calmest figures but appeared unwilling to tolerate criticism he felt was unfair or excessive.

Attention now turns to how Portugal respond as Roberto Martínez’s squad remain in control of their qualification destiny and will be expected to bounce back on home soil against Armenia on Sunday afternoon.

SOURCE : sports.yahoo