Honduras captain Maynor Figueroa has had a crack at the referee of the World Cup qualifier against the Socceroos on Saturday, saying that the official was “cashing a cheque”.
Figueroa insinuated that Argentinian referee Nestor Pitana was paid off after he awarded Australia two late penalties in the Socceroos’ 3-1 win.
“Until that first goal we were having a good game,” Figueroa said to La Tribuna according to News Corp.
“(But) that second goal the referee gifted it to them — that is very obvious to the whole world.
“I only have words of gratitude and praise for my colleagues, but to the referee; no one is going to save himself from divine justice, if he is cashing a cheque for this, nobody will be saved.”
Honduras manager Jorge Luis Pinto also criticised the officiation.
“I spoke to the fourth official about Australia, as I felt they were very hard on trying to neutralise (Alberth) Elis,” said Pinto.
“The referee allowed a brute game because the intention from the first minute was to kick Elis out the game. They knew he was the most dangerous player in the game.
“Australia is a heavy, tough team, the referee allowed them to play a rough game, and they wanted to finish Elis.”