Portugal defender Pepe and midfielder Bruno Fernandez have blame of their country’s quarter-final loss to Morocco on Argentina referee Mateu Lahoz.
Pepe said: “We conceded a goal that we weren’t expecting but I have to say this is bigger than me and I’m going to have to say it. … It’s unacceptable for an Argentine referee to referee our game. After what happened yesterday, with Messi talking, all of Argentina talking and the referee comes here to blow the whistle.
“It is unacceptable that an Argentine referee is responsible for the match, after what I saw today, they can give Argentina the title right now.”
His teammate Bruno Fernandes echoed the sentiments and referenced that there are no Portuguese officials while implying that Argentina is the tournament favorite.
“I don’t know if they’re going to give the trophy to Argentina,” said Fernandes.
“I don’t care, I’m going to say what I think and screw them. It’s very weird that a ref officiates us from a country still in the competition. Clearly, they’ve tilted the field against us.”
Fernandes argued for a foul in the box as the first half concluded, but no penalty was given by the officiating crew. Portugal outshot Morocco 12 to 9 but was level with the North African side in total attempts on target with three during the quarterfinal.
