Davies and Carling slam ‘pathetic’ World Cup play-acting
RUGBY legends Will Carling and Jonathan Davies have joined a growing band of critics to slam the play-acting in the football World Cup after Portugal’s 1-1 draw with Iran on Monday night descended into a second-half shambles, writes Anthony Woolford.
European champions Portugal made it through to the last 16 on the back of a point that was pocketed amid scenes of ridiculous play-acting and aggressive pressurising of the referee.
There was also hugely debatable use of VAR over Iran’s penalty and a possible red card for Cristiano Ronaldo, that ended up with him being booked instead.
But it’s the play-acting that has put social media into meltdown with former England rugby captain Carling and dual-code great Davies scathing.
There have been a number of incidents during the tournament, including Neymar’s dive to try to win a penalty for Brazil against Costa Rica.
Ronaldo was clearly unhappy at being yellow-carded in the Iran game after an opponent went down clutching his head.
“Watching Iran v Portugal. Like watching some tired and emotional 6 yr olds!! We might well see one stamping his feet and crying in the corner soon,” wrote Carling.
Davies replied with a brief ‘It’s pathetic,” while double Olympic cycling gold medallist Geraint Thomas struck a chord with rugby fans.
“The second half of Iran-Portugal shows why rugby is a far better sport,” said Thomas on twitter.
Double Welsh rugby Grand Slam winner Tom Shanklin also got in on the act by saying: “Sometimes I hate football.”
Former Wales, Scarlets and Pontypridd back-rower Gary Jones was also critical, while Welsh football legend John Hartson hit out at the controversial decision to award Iran a penalty.