Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Tue 17 March 2026 22:15, UK

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Manchester City supporters have ripped into Bernardo Silva for getting sent off against Real Madrid in a vital Champions League game.

Pep Guardiola’s side were slammed 3-0 in the round of 16 first leg, thanks to a Fede Valverde hat-trick, but there was a growing expectation that the Citizens could do the impossible on Tuesday, 17 March.

However, hope quickly evaporated when referee Clement Turpin was sent to the pitch-side monitor to review a handball call against Silva, which eventually saw the midfielder sent off for an early bath.

Man City lost 5-1 to Real Madrid on aggregate, with Vinicius Junior adding another goal to the tally on the night, and fans have now made their feelings very clear over Silva’s future at the club.

Man City fans want Bernardo Silva gone this summer

The only argument over the controversy was over whether Vinicius was onside in the build-up to the goal, and when he was adjudged to be onside, there was only ever one outcome.

One supporter was angry enough to tell the club, “Let him go,” while another shifted the blame to Guardiola for continuing to start the 31-year-old this season.

Silva’s red card had a huge impact on the game, even if City did get chances to close the gap, leading to Guardiola’s side being knocked out of the Champions League in very disappointing circumstances.

• @kwaku_maestro: “Pep’s trust in Bernardo Silva this season has really cost him. The guy has played nonsense all season, but he’s the first on the team list.”
• @Michae1cor130n3: “Bernardo Silva in 2026 is garbage, man.”
• @pifapenmark_: “Why would Bernardo Silva do that, sold the entire game.”

What is the midfielder’s state of play ahead of the summer?

Football Insider understands that Juventus may not be able to afford Silva due to his signing-on fee, but there is absolutely no doubt that the veteran is out of contract this summer.

He has racked up 448 appearances over the last nine years, becoming an integral part of the squad over that period of time, but he is certainly not the same player that he used to be.

Barcelona have long been linked with the 31-year-old, and given that he’ll be a free agent in a few months, any interested clubs won’t have to worry about a transfer fee.

It appears extremely unlikely that he will be with the Citizens next season. It is just a matter of him finding a new team ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.