A missed penalty from Bernardo Silva proved a turning point in Manchester City's shootout loss to Real Madrid in the Champion's League quarter-final on Tuesday night.
Julian Alvarez's successful spot-kick got the ball rolling for City in a tense shootout in front of their own fans, before an Ederson save from Luka Modric further handed the initiative to the home side.
Silva then stepped up to put City 2-0 ahead but what followed was a weak attempt, hit straight down the middle into the grateful hands of Andriy Lunin.
Madrid would go onto score their next four penalties and another save from Lunin, this time from Mateo Kovacic, proved crucial as the 14-times champions booked their place in the semi-final.
Man City fans blamed for Bernardo Silva penalty miss
Silva is taking a lot of the heat for his dismal penalty, but fans and pundits have suggested that the behaviour of some City fans behind the goal may have contributed to his failure to convert.
After Modric booted the ball away following his own miss, the City fans held onto it, leaving Silva waiting for his chance to take the penalty.
The Portuguese midfielder appeared frustrated, as referee Daniele Orsato appealed for a new ball to be delivered onto the pitch.
The City fans eventually returned the ball but some of the TNT Sport panel felt that the situation contributed to Silva's nerves.
That city fan who delayed Silva pen 😂😂😂
Thick as mince— MICHAEL (@mickybluey) April 17, 2024
The fan/s holding onto the ball before Bernardo Silva’s penalty…just baffling. Time and place!
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) April 18, 2024
Actions of Man City fans called out
'It would have taken him out of sync,' said Joleon Lescott said. "The routine, technique. It is a long time, you start thinking. It is a soft penalty."
Rio Ferdinand added that the actions of the City fans were a "shame," and the supporters have also been called out by people online.
One Twitter user called them "thick," while another added that their actions "will go down in history."
"City fans screwed themselves over holding onto the ball as long as they did before Bernardo Silva’s pen," posted another user.
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓!
Watch Antonio Rudiger beat Ederson from 12 yards to send Real Madrid into the last four and holders Manchester City crashing out! #MCIRMA | #UCL pic.twitter.com/AreS07jUYs— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) April 17, 2024
Man City left to lick wounds as Real Madrid march on
While we can't be sure that the scenario affected Silva, it's probably another symptom of modern football, with everyone looking for their moment in the spotlight, even if it's just for a few seconds.
Whether holding onto the ball contributed to City's downfall or not, it seemed like a pointless endeavour from the supporters, when the climax to a crucial Champions League tie was unfolding in front of them.
See Also: Brian Kerr Was Baffled To See Manchester City Star Take Penalty Vs Real Madrid
