Bruno Fernandes was left embarrassed after being slammed for a ‘dive’ during Manchester United’s 3-2 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.
The Portuguese midfielder was seen to go down in the box after a challenge from Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, with referee Paul Tierney waving away United’s appeals for a penalty.
Replays showed that Konate had made contact with Fernandes’ face, but the United star was accused of going to ground too easily in an attempt to win a spot-kick.
The incident sparked a furious reaction from United fans, with many accusing Fernandes of trying to con the referee.
Fernandes himself was clearly unhappy with the decision, and he took to social media after the game to defend himself.
“I don’t dive,” he wrote on Twitter. “I was hit in the face and I went down. I don’t need to dive to win a penalty.”
The incident was a major talking point after the game, with many pundits and fans debating whether Fernandes had gone down too easily.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand was among those to criticise Fernandes, saying: “I think he’s gone down too easily. He’s got to stay on his feet there.”
However, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher defended Fernandes, saying: “I think he’s been hit in the face. I think it’s a penalty.”
The incident was a major turning point in the game, with Liverpool going on to win 3-2.
It was a disappointing result for United, who had taken the lead through a Fernandes penalty in the first half.
The defeat leaves United in second place in the Premier League, four points behind leaders Manchester City.
Fernandes will now be hoping to put the incident behind him and focus on helping United close the gap on their rivals.
The Portuguese star has been in excellent form this season, scoring 17 goals and providing 11 assists in all competitions.
He will be hoping to add to his tally when United take on West Ham in their next Premier League game on Wednesday.