A pitch invader was ragdolled by security after attempting to approach a visibly upset Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal’s stunning World Cup defeat to Morocco.
Morocco, who caused a sensational upset against Spain in the last 16, once again sent shockwaves throughout the world in the quarter-finals at the Al-Thumama Stadium on Saturday.
Youssef En-Nesyri fired Morocco into a shock lead before half-time, with Walid Regragui’s men successfully holding off Portugal to seal a 1-0 lead.
Ronaldo started on the bench for the second World Cup match running after Portugal manager Fernando Santos stuck with Goncalo Ramos, who scored a stunning hat-trick against Switzerland in the round of 16.
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The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was introduced early into the second half, replacing Ruben Neves, but not even Ronaldo was capable of rescuing an equaliser for Portugal.
Ronaldo was in tears in the tunnel after Portugal’s exit from the World Cup, but the Portugal star was ambushed by one fan as he attempted to leave the pitch.
Footage of the fan, which can be viewed in the video player above, shows him coming into close range with Ronaldo before getting ragdolled by security.
“He didn’t push him. Security pulled him, [to be fair],” one fan said in response to the footage.
Someone else commented: “Audacity of this kid to come up to Ronaldo after getting knocked out his final World Cup.”
While a third Twitter user posted: “Possibly the worst time to ask for a picture.”
“This hurts to watch,” a fourth fan added.
And a fifth tweeted: “Who is that idiot? At a time like that he deserves to be knocked [out].”
Speaking after the match, Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It’s really unbelievable, I’m so proud. It’s like a dream -- unbelievable we’re in the semi-final.
“We deserve this, 1,000 per cent. How we fight, how we play, with our heart for our country for the people -- it’s unbelievable.
“Our spirit, we have injuries, three defenders came in and how they defend, big respect.
“Respect everyone, the coach, the team, the staff. It was like we played at home, thank you for all the people.”
Morocco will now face the winner of France vs England in the World Cup semi-finals on 14th December at the Al-Bayt Stadium.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, Football World Cup, Football
Adnan Riaz