Ghana coach Otto Addo suggested Portugal were given a “gift” when Cristiano Ronaldo received a penalty, while Portugal coach Fernando Santos dismissed those talks immediately.
The Black Stars lost 3-2 to Portugal in a thrilling affair on Thursday afternoon, with Portugal’s first goal coming via a Ronaldo penalty – which many neutrals thought was very soft.
Addo also expressed his disappointment that the decision of the on-field referee was not overturned by VAR saying Portugal and Ronaldo got a gift.
“The referee gave a penalty which was not a penalty. Everyone saw that,” he said during his post-match press conference, as quoted by Gary Al-Smith.
“Why? Because it’s Ronaldo or something?” If somebody scores a goal, congratulations. But this was really a gift. A special gift from the referee.”
Meanwhile, Santos defended the decision of the referee and says Portugal could have had another spot-kick when Joao Felix was brought down in the box.
“I think if VAR team had felt the referee should consult VAR, they’d have prompted him,” he stated.
“I also think Joao Felix was fouled at a point and I expected the referee to check the VAR but he didn’t. So I don’t think there was a call the VAR would have been necessary for the ref.”
The game saw Ronaldo become the first male player in FIFA World Cup history to score in five different editions of the tournament.
