Portuguese footballers have criticized head referee Facundo Tello after the unexpected 0:1 defeat against Morocco in the quarter-finals of the World Cup. They didn’t understand how it was possible that the match was called by the Argentinian referees, who are still in the tournament. According to frustrated defender Pepe, the organizers of the Qatar championship can immediately deliver the gold medals to Lionel Messi and his companions.
Argentina star Messi criticized Spanish referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz after Friday’s heated quarter-final with the Netherlands, which the South Americans only managed after a penalty shoot-out. He distributed a record 17 yellow cards and one red card.
“It is unacceptable that the Argentine referee booed our match yesterday after Messi’s complaints. From what I saw today, they can immediately hand over the cup to Argentina,” stopper Pepe said in a TV interview.
“I find it very strange that we have a referee whose country is still playing in the tournament. The pitch was obviously against us,” added midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
Tello handed out four yellow cards and one red card in the match, which was decided by Yusuf Nasjrí’s goal in the 42nd minute. Moroccan substitute Valíd Chaddíra was sent off after a second booking in the third minute of regulation. Despite the great pressure, the Portuguese were unable to respond in the second half.
“The Moroccans interrupted our every action with fouls, but the referee almost didn’t deal with them. Their goalkeeper was lying on the ground and delayed, there were many small fouls, but the referee didn’t give them cards However, he kept interrupting the game and didn’t let us play,” Pepe said.
“We fought hard in the second half and he only played eight minutes. We just wanted to play football. We’re sorry, we had what it takes to win, but unfortunately we didn’t make it,” added the 39-year-old Porto stopper . “We knew we weren’t just playing against Morocco today. But the referees aren’t the only reason for our defeat,” said Manchester United’s Fernandes.
Portuguese coach Fernando Santos, on the other hand, declined to blame Tello and his Argentine colleagues for the favourite’s surprising elimination. “Maybe he could have called a foul in one or two situations, but more importantly we should have done more. We shouldn’t blame the referee for the defeat, that makes no sense,” said the 68-year-old coach.
