sport news Bruno Fernandes and Pepe accuse ref Facundo Tello of bias after Portugal's ... trends now
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Veteran Portugal centre-back Pepe and team-mate Bruno Fernandes have taken aim at FIFA's decision to appoint Argentine referee Facundo Tello to their quarter-final clash with Morocco.
Portugal became the latest major footballing nation to fall at the 2022 Qatar World Cup as Morocco became the first one African - and Arab - country to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.
Speaking after the game, the 39-year-old defender referenced the scenes following Argentina's dramatic penalty shootout victory over Holland as apparent reason that the trophy should be given to the nation now.
Pepe was one of a number of Portugal players to surround the referee at the final whistle
Lionel Messi, Emi Martinez and various other members of the Argentina squad criticised referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz for his performance in Friday's quarter-final. The Argentine goalkeeper, Martinez, accused Lahoz of wanting Holland to advance.
'Hopefully we don't have that ref anymore... He's useless! Van Gaal said they have an advantage if it goes to penalties, he needs to keep his mouth shut,' he told BeIN SPORTS.
The Spaniard referee dished out 18 yellow cards, with FIFA investigating the conduct of both sides.
Portugal's players grew frustrated with the referee but he appeared to give them an opening when he sent off Walid Cheddira
'We conceded a goal that we didn't expect. But I have to say: it's unacceptable for an Argentine to
