Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has claimed England midfielder Jude Bellingham used offensive language towards him during a heated half-time confrontation in Tuesday’s goalless draw between the two nations at the FIFA World Cup.
The incident occurred moments before the break after Bellingham flew into a late challenge on Ghana defender Jerome Opoku, prompting angry reactions from the Black Stars bench.
Television cameras captured a visibly frustrated Bellingham exchanging words with members of Ghana’s technical team near the touchline before England teammate Morgan Rogers stepped in and led him away as players headed towards the dressing rooms.
Speaking after the match, Queiroz revealed that his intention was initially to calm the situation and check on Opoku, who was left on the ground following the challenge.
“My intention was to tell him to cool down with that tackle that he did,” Queiroz explained.
“I was worried because our player was still down and I wanted to make sure everything was okay.”
The veteran Portuguese coach, however, claimed the conversation quickly escalated when Bellingham reacted angrily.
“He had a bad reaction with some bad names and that’s why the story started,” Queiroz said.
The former Portugal, Iran and Real Madrid coach also suggested the England star was fortunate not to face stronger disciplinary action for the challenge.
“It could be a second yellow card or even a red card. It was clear because he went with his foot against our player.”
Credit: ghanasoccernet
