Bruno Fernandes was accused of diving during Portugal’s World Cup quarter-final against Morocco (Picture: ITV Sport)
Bruno Fernandes was slammed for diving during Portugal’s World Cup quarter-final against Morocco.
The tournament upstarts, who had already knocked out Belgium and Spain, took a deserved lead in the 42nd minute when Youssef En-Nesyri outjumped Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa and thundered home a head via the underside of the crossbar.
Portugal responded almost immediately and came within a whisker of an equaliser when Fernandes audacious effort from near the touchline cannoned off the woodwork with Bono beaten.
Morocco had largely controlled the opening period but spent the closing stages of the first half protecting their slender lead and were almost left to pay for it when some incisive interplay sent Fernandes racing into the penalty area.
The Manchester United playmaker, however, threw himself to the floor after feeling Achraf Hakimi make contact with with his left shoulder.
Argentine referee Facundo Tello was unimpressed with Fernandes’ antics and waved away his frantic appeals, while VAR opted not to intervene and review the on field decision.
Fernandes was livid with the match official and was seen remonstrating with Tello on his way to the tunnel area after the half-time whistle was blown.
Former Manchester City midfielder De Jong felt the referee got his decision spot on, however, and wasn’t surprised to see Fernandes doing his best to con the official.
Asked if he felt Fernandes deserved anything from the referee, De Jong told ITV: ‘No, nothing.
‘You could see who was at the end of it and who is laying on the floor again. We all see back in UK watching the Premier League.
‘Fernandes has a feeling of going to the ground in circumstances and situations like this.
‘It was not enough to give it as a penalty especially in the moment of the game like that. The referee made a good call and the VAR made a great call.’
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‘You could see who was at the end of it and who is laying on the floor again.’
