Cristiano Ronaldo accused of ‘Hollywood’ acting by Iceland coach
Your teams on the go or at home. Personalize SI with our new App. Install on iOS or Android.
Real Madrid and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo was accused of diving by Iceland joint manager Lars Lagerback, according to ESPN.
While not specifically naming Ronaldo, Lagerback directed that comment towards a Portuguese player that he said is among the best in the world.
“We’ve seen some Portuguese players diving. Portugal have one of the best players in the world but he’s also an excellent actor,” Lagerback said.
Lagerback also seemed to call out Real Madrid defender Pepe for acting, referencing the club’s win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final. Pepe has been criticized for diving in that game.
• Reports: Messi won’t start, could miss Argentina’s Copa America opener
“In the final of the Champions League against Atletico we saw another performance from someone who could be in Hollywood. I don’t like that,” he said.
Lagerback went as far as to say that players should be punished retroactively for exaggerating contact.
Iceland and Portugal open up Euro 16 group play on Tuesday.
