"It’s Not Tradition in Portugal" - Bernardo Silva on Refusing to Clap Liverpool | OneFootball

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"It’s Not Tradition in Portugal" - Bernardo Silva on Refusing to Clap Liverpool | OneFootball

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·13 August 2025

"It’s Not Tradition in Portugal" - Bernardo Silva on Refusing to Clap Liverpool

Article image:"It’s Not Tradition in Portugal" - Bernardo Silva on Refusing to Clap Liverpool

Portuguese Midfielder Shares Honest View on Tradition and Rivalry

"It’s Not Tradition in Portugal" - Bernardo Silva on Refusing to Clap Liverpool

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Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva's opened up about his refusal to applaud Liverpool in guard of honour when they won the Premier League title in 2020 while also reflecting on City’s struggles last season.

Disappointment Over Last Season

Speaking to The Times Silva admitted there was sense of guilt among players and staff for not performing better last season.

"With our experience and quality even with injuries, we shouldn't have lost as easily as we did" he said.

Why He Refused the Guard of Honour

When asked about the 2020 incident, Silva was blunt:

"I’m bad loser. I hate losing. At Benfica, we were taught never to celebrate defeat. In my opinion, the guard of honour is kind of hypocrisy .. it’s not tradition in Portugal"

He added:

"If others want to do it, fine but I wouldn’t clap for Liverpool. That’s not my way of celebrating losing. When I win title, I don’t need anyone else to clap for me"

City’s Ambitions This Season

Despite last year’s disappointment, Silva's confident City can compete with Liverpool again.

"We’re back mentally, hungry to play. But in the end, quality on the pitch will decide if we’re ready or not" he ended.

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