World Cup: Pepe fumed about Argentine ref & Lionel Messi after Portugal 0-1 Morocco | OneFootball

Pepe fumed about the Argentine referee in an extraordinary interview after Portugal’s exit from the World Cup at the hands of Morocco.

Portugal were the big favourites in their quarter-final clash against the north African side.

But it was Morocco who pulled off another huge shock at Al Thumama Stadium.

Morocco prevailed 1-0, with Youssef En-Nesyri’s 42nd minute goal the difference between the sides.

Portugal threw the kitchen sink at Morocco and had multiple chances to restore parity.

Pepe had the best chance with virtually the last kick of the game. but he could not direct his header from just a few yards out on target.

Pepe fumes at the Argentine referee in his post-match interview

Many of the officials for the match are from Argentina.

Argentina’s Facundo Tello was the referee, while both assistant referees and the VAR were from the South American country.

And Pepe was not happy with the officials after the game as he delivered a remarkable interview.

“It is unacceptable that an Argentine referee administered the game today after what happened yesterday,” Pepe said, per the Independent.

“With Messi complaining and Argentina talking. I’m not saying it’s conditional, but what did we play in the second half? Anything.

“Their goalkeeper was always stopped, only added eight minutes of injury time.

“After what I saw today, they can now give the title to Argentina.”

He then took aim at Morocco’s tactics in the second 45 minutes.

He added; “They didn’t play anything in the second half. The only team that wanted to play football was us. We had the quality to win the World Cup, we didn’t,” he added, per Spanish website Relevo.

Bruno Fernandes also took aim at the referee

Pepe’s anger was shared by Fernandes.

Bruno Fernandes said, per EuroFoot: “I don’t know if they’re going to give the cup to Argentina. I don’t care, I’m going to say what I think and screw them.

“It’s very strange that a referee from a team that whistles us it’s still in the Cup. They’ve clearly tilted the field against us.”

Who will Morocco play in the semi-finals?

It has been an incredible campaign for Morocco, who have become the first ever African side to reach the last four of the World Cup.

They will face either France or England for a place in the final.

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