With four minutes left in the game and Portugal seemingly destined for the round of 16 at the expense of a profligate Morocco, Portugal and Besiktas defender Pepe took the opportunity to remind the world that he still is and always has been, a prick.
The 35-year-old was walking back to his side of the pitch following a corner when Juventus Medhi Benatia gave him an innocuous slap on the shoulder. The defender took the contact as a cue to fall down and try and make the most of the situation as the clock was running down:
Please keep Pepe in your prayers after this from Benatia. I'm happy he is still alive. pic.twitter.com/TH3Kmh2YMD
— World Cup (@FlFAWC2018) June 20, 2018
What a twat.
The footballing public roundly lambasted the former Real Madrid player for his histrionics, in what is a long line of controversial incidents from the centre back:
See Pepe is still a dick.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 20, 2018
Pepe whenever he's touched... pic.twitter.com/XTeFaZF7Pi
— Footy Humour (@FootyHumour) June 20, 2018
OMG Pepe. pathetic. grow up man
— John Arne Riise (@JARiiseOfficial) June 20, 2018
Please keep Pepe in your prayers after this assault from Benatia ? #PORMAR #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/UbYwFtEQld
— World Cup Goals (@FIFAWCGoals) June 20, 2018
Pepe after that touch from the Moroccan player. pic.twitter.com/Z5pVfLa4bN
— Mohamed ElNneny (@ElNnenyM) June 20, 2018
I hate Pepe with everything I have.
— - (@AnfieldRd96) June 20, 2018
Pepe is an utter bastard.
Pass it on...pic.twitter.com/mKOo56Ch8n
— HLTCO (@HLTCO) June 20, 2018
Hope Pepe is okay, that looked serious. ?#POR
— Ellis - AwayDays (@ellis_platten) June 20, 2018
Portugal's one nil victory over Morocco means they are the second team to ensure qualification to the knockout round of the World Cup, with Morocco the first to be officially eliminated from the competition.
