Man United news: Ex-Fifa official hits back at Bruno Fernandes after controversial new twist
Keith Hackett has hit back at Man United star Bruno Fernandes after he criticised the referee for his performance in Portugal’s 1-0 loss to Morocco in the World Cup quarter-finals last week (10 December).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted Argentine official Facundo Tello was one of the best at the tournament and Portugal lost because Morocco were the better side.
As quoted by Sky Sports after the game, Fernandes claimed Fifa “tilted the field against us” by appointing an Argentine referee.
The 28-year-old questioned whether an official from a country that is still in the tournament should have taken charge of the game.
“I thought this guy was one of the better referees in the tournament,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“He was consistent, up with play and was a good decision-maker.
“The fact is Portugal lost to the better team and Morocco were a delight to watch. The quality of the passing and counter-attacks were the best thing that I’ve seen at this World Cup.
“I criticised the fact they put a Brazilian on the England game with France. To justify that appointment, they brought the Brazilian guy to referee in a tournament where he can get a feel of European players.
“I’ve worked with Argentine referees, they are strict and enforce the laws of the game.
“On the face of it, this was a good appointment. I might have questioned it if the referee had a poor game but the referee had a good game.
“I think their complaints are not justified.”
In other news, it can be revealed that Man United have smashed a Premier League transfer record.