Portugal’s national soccer players have expressed severe criticism of referee Facundo Tello’s performance after being eliminated in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
“They interrupted every move we made with fouls, but the referee hardly intervened,” said central defender Pepe after the 1-0 draw at the Al-Thumama Stadium in Doha. “It is unacceptable for an Argentine referee to officiate our game.”
Midfielder Bruno Fernandes also criticized the appointment: “I find it very strange that a referee whistles for us whose nation is still in the tournament,” said the 28-year-old.
It is very strange that no Portuguese referees have been nominated for the World Cup, “because we have Champions League referees. And this referee does not whistle for the Champions League,” said the Manchester United professional.
The Portuguese felt disadvantaged by the referee. The Argentinian Tello did not give a yellow card until the 70th minute, then in the closing stages substitute Moroccan Walid Cheddira was sent off after two yellow cards within a few minutes. “The goalkeeper delays the game, a lot of small fouls, but the referee doesn’t give a yellow card,” said Pepe. “The ref didn’t whistle well, especially in the second half.”
Portugal coach Fernando Santos didn’t want to blame the referee for the end. “Referee? I don’t think so. He could have called for a foul in some situations, but in general I don’t think so. We could have done more, we couldn’t do that, we shouldn’t blame the referee for that.”