Thursday, 19th January, 2012
Real Madrid defender Pepe has been slammed for standing on Lionel Messi’s hand in last night’s Copa del Rey quarter-final against Barcelona by Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.
Los Blancos went down 2-1 in the first leg of the tie, but much attention focused on Pepe who, with Messi down, appeared to stand directly on the Argentine’s hand, causing him to writhe in agony.
Pepe’s team-mate Ricardo Carvalho defended his actions, stating that the Portuguese centre back always "plays fair, sometimes going to the limit, but always with the intention of playing the ball."
Rooney however, watching El Clasico, was incensed by Pepe’s supposed stamp.
"Pepe. What an idiot. Sometimes people wind you up", commented the Manchester United striker.
And, when Barcelona scored, Rooney added: "Haha. That goal serves Pepe right."
Real Madrid still have a chance in the tie, but must overturn the 2-1 deficit at the Camp Nou.
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