FIFA deny claims World Cup referee asked for Cristiano Ronaldo's shirt
Thu Jun 21, 2018 12:54:pm Sports
4.6K By Obiaks Blog
FIFA have denied claims a World Cup referee asked Cristiano Ronaldo for his shirt during Portugal's win over Morocco.
Ronaldo headed in the winner as Portugal secured a 1-0 victory over Morocco in their second World Cup group B fixture.
But Watford and Morocco midfielder Nordin Amrabat reportedly hit out at referee Mark Geiger for an apparent lack of professionalism in his side's defeat, which dumped the African side out of this year's tournament.
He is quoted to have told Dutch TV: "I do not know what he is used to, but he was very impressed by Cristiano Ronaldo, and I hear from Pepe that he asked in the first half if he should have his shirt.
"What are we talking about? At the World Cup? It's not a circus here."
FIFA have since released a statement insisting Geiger "categorically" denies asking Ronaldo for his shirt.
The world football governing body said it "unequivocally condemns" allegations reportedly made by Amrabat.
"FIFA referees are under clear instructions with regard to their behaviour and relationship with the teams at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia and it can be confirmed that Mr Geiger has acted in an exemplary and professional manner as an appointed match official," a statement read.
Amrabat played despite suffering concussion in his country's opening World Cup game last week, in which Morocco conceded a stoppage-time goal to lose 1-0 against Iran.
"I'm not a doctor," said Morocco head coach Herve Renard after the Portugal defeat. "Medical reports are read by competent people.
"I'm not competent in medical matters and they take their own responsibility and so does the player.
"I think he did an exceptional and outstanding match."
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Ronaldo headed in the winner as Portugal secured a 1-0 victory over Morocco in their second World Cup group B fixture.
But Watford and Morocco midfielder Nordin Amrabat reportedly hit out at referee Mark Geiger for an apparent lack of professionalism in his side's defeat, which dumped the African side out of this year's tournament.
He is quoted to have told Dutch TV: "I do not know what he is used to, but he was very impressed by Cristiano Ronaldo, and I hear from Pepe that he asked in the first half if he should have his shirt.
"What are we talking about? At the World Cup? It's not a circus here."
FIFA have since released a statement insisting Geiger "categorically" denies asking Ronaldo for his shirt.
The world football governing body said it "unequivocally condemns" allegations reportedly made by Amrabat.
"FIFA referees are under clear instructions with regard to their behaviour and relationship with the teams at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia and it can be confirmed that Mr Geiger has acted in an exemplary and professional manner as an appointed match official," a statement read.
Amrabat played despite suffering concussion in his country's opening World Cup game last week, in which Morocco conceded a stoppage-time goal to lose 1-0 against Iran.
"I'm not a doctor," said Morocco head coach Herve Renard after the Portugal defeat. "Medical reports are read by competent people.
"I'm not competent in medical matters and they take their own responsibility and so does the player.
"I think he did an exceptional and outstanding match."
SKYSPORTS
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