Portugal midfielder denies giving ref ‘the finger’
Brazil (AFP) — The fall-out from Monday’s action, which saw Germany rout Portugal 4-0 and African champions Nigeria labour to a 0-0 draw with Iran, continues.
Portugal denied midfielder Raul Meireles gave the referee the finger during his side’s stormy loss, insisting that he was merely gesturing a tactical switch.
Pictures on social media show Meireles, who sports a distinctive Mohawk hairstyle, raising the third finger on both hands to referee Milorad Mazic who had sent off Real Madrid defender Pepe.
But the Portuguese football federation (FPF) defended the Fenerbahce player, claiming there was nothing vulgar about the gesture.
“He was passing on to teammate Bruno Alves the instructions being relayed by coach Paulo Bento,” said a FPF statement
Meanwhile, former Nigeria captain Jay-Jay Okocha blamed coach Stephen Keshi for the African champions dropping two points against Iran.
