(Belga) Referee Facundo Tello was severely criticized by some Portuguese after the World Cup quarter-final loss to Morocco on Saturday afternoon (1-0). Defender Pepe responded, saying: “All our actions stopped due to mistakes, but the referee rarely intervenes. It is unacceptable for an Argentine referee to blow the whistle in the match.”
His midfield colleague Bruno Fernandes also questioned the nationality of the referee. “I find it very strange that we are governed by a referee from a country that is still in the competition,” the 28-year-old said. The 2016 European champions were clearly embarrassed by Mr. Tello's refereeing. No yellow card was shown before the 70th minute. Moroccan Walid Chedira was also sent off in stoppage time for receiving two yellow cards in a few seconds. Pepe added: “The goalkeeper delayed the match. There were many small mistakes, but the referee did not give the yellow card,” adding, “The referee did not blow his whistle well, especially in the second half.” Unlike his men, Portuguese coach Fernando Santos did not want to blame the Man in Black. “He could have called a foul in some situations, but overall it was not his fault to eliminate us. We could have done more and we didn't. We shouldn't want that. Responsible refereeing.” (Belga)
