Ghana coach Otto Addo criticized the American referee who awarded the penalty that resulted in Cristiano Ronaldo‘s report aim on the World Cup on Thursday, calling it “a particular present.”
Ronaldo gained and transformed the second-half penalty, making him the first male participant to attain in 5 World Cups. Portugal went on to beat Ghana 3-2.
“If any individual scores a aim, congratulations. However this was actually a present. Actually a present,” Addo stated. “What more can I say? (It was) a special gift from the referee.”
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Addo’s criticism of American referee Ismail Elfath was so direct that it could put him into trouble with FIFA.
When asked what he thought was the reason for Ghana’s narrow defeat, Addo responded: “The referee.”
Addo felt Ghana defender Mohammed Salisu did not foul Ronaldo for the penalty, and he complained that the officers did not use VAR to verify. Salisu’s thigh appeared to make slight contact with Ronaldo’s leg earlier than the Portugal captain went sprawling to the bottom.
The 37-year-old Ronaldo, who was beginning what’s anticipated to be his final World Cup, transformed the penalty for his piece of historical past.
“I think it was really the wrong decision,” Addo said. “I do not know why VAR did not come up. There is not any rationalization for me. After which it is troublesome in opposition to a world-class crew when they’re main.”
Addo is a 47-year-old former Ghana participant who’s in his first worldwide teaching job and at his first World Cup. He stated he even tried to fulfill with Elfath after the sport to ask him concerning the incident. Addo additionally complained that Elfath had missed quite a few fouls on his gamers.
“I tried,” Addo stated. “I requested some folks outdoors with FIFA if I can speak with the referee in a relaxed and quiet method however they stated he is in a gathering and it is not potential.”