Piers Morgan wondered why Pepe, who is older than Ronaldo was considered young, while ex-Madrid star was tagged “too old
By Kehinde Okeowo
Popular British broadcaster, Piers Morgan has questioned the decision of Portugal coach, Fernando Santos to bench Cristiano Ronaldo and play Pepe in their FIFA World Cup round of 16 tie against Switzerland on Tuesday night.
Prior to the game, Ronaldo has started all three Group H matches for Portugal, but after venting his frustrations when taken off by Santos against South Korea in their final group tie last week, he was punished by the coach.
The former Manchester United forward paid a price, as he was omitted from the starting XI against Switzerland in the World Cup round of 16, a game they won resoundingly.
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Adding insult to injury for Ronaldo, his replacement in the starting XI – Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos, scored a hat-trick as Portugal thrashed Switzerland 6-1 and he went home with the match ball.
Reacting to the development, Piers Morgan wondered why Pepe, a player who is older than Ronaldo was considered young enough to play, while the former Madrid star was tagged “too old “.
He wrote on Twitter: “I’m trending because Ronaldo’s on the bench?
“Twitter haters really are comically tragic,” Morgan added alongside three laughing face emojis.
After 39-year-old Porto defender Pepe scored a thumping effort, Morgan later added: “‘Ronaldo’s too old.’ Pepe’s 39.”