Portugal Players Criticize Referee After Shock World Cup Loss to Morocco

The Atlas Lions have shattered the dream of Portugal, one of the favorites to win the title this year. Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates were eliminated by a surprising Moroccan team led by Moroccan coach Walid Regragui.

This disillusionment has provoked reactions from Portuguese players, including veteran Pepe, who expressed his anger against the Argentine referee of the match, Facundo Tello. For the FC Porto defender, the latter should not have officiated the match.

"It is unacceptable that an Argentine referee us today after what happened yesterday, with Messi complaining. After what I saw today, they can give the title to Argentina now!" he said. And he added: "we didn’t play in the second half and there were only eight minutes of added time. We worked very hard. Eight more minutes took place and there was no play."

These remarks were supported by his teammate Bruno Fernandes, who also complained about the Argentine whistle. "It’s very strange to have a referee who still has his national team in the competition while we don’t have a Portuguese referee. Our referees referee the Champions League, so they have the quality and level to be here. These referees don’t referee the Champions League, they’re not used to this type of match, they don’t have the rhythm for it. They clearly tilted the match. In the first half, there is a clear penalty on me. I’m isolated and never in my life do I let myself fall when I’m alone in front of the goalkeeper and I can shoot at goal," he lamented.