Pepe blames Argentine referee Tello for Portugal’s shock elimination
Morocco stunned Portugal with a 1-0 victory to become the first African side to reach the World Cup semi-finals as En-Nesyri's header proved to be the only goal of the match. After a couple of controversial scenes, the Portugal defender claims the referee's performance was unacceptable.
Despite their outstanding performance so far in the World Cup,
Portugal
was eliminated in the quarter-finals by the underdogs,
Morocco, as the Africans added Santos' side to Belgium and Spain in their journey to Qatar 2022's semi-finals.
However, Portugal’s experienced defender
Pepe
was left frustrated by Argentine referee Tello’s performance. He told his post-match interview with
O Jogo: "
It is unacceptable for an Argentine to referee the game. I am very sad.
"There were 90 minutes in which they always wanted to stop our game with little fouls - the referee did not give a yellow card, did not call attention.
"After yesterday, with Messi talking, an Argentinian comes and whistles. In the second half, nothing was played, there were only eight [additional] minutes.
"We were always on top. They were lucky enough to score a goal. We worked well and did a lot to win the game."
Portugal boss
Fernando Santos
refused to blame Tello for Portugal's elimination while calling it influential on his side's performance. He said:
"He could have called fouls in a few plays but generally speaking, I do not think so.
"I think we could have done more, and we failed to do so. I don't think we should blame the referee, it does not make sense. There were a few plays, but honestly, I do not think that's the way to see it."
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