Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has admitted to being “surprised” by Harry Maguire’s behaviour in England’s meeting with Colombia at the World Cup.
The Leicester City centre-back was accused of diving after going down inside the box under minimal contact, while also frantically gesturing for VAR when Wilmar Barrios headbutted Jordan Henderson.
Mourinho was left unimpressed by the actions of Maguire and questioned why only certain players, such as Brazil forward Neymar, are criticised in similar circumstances.
“People are focusing on Neymar, but if it was only Neymar, I’d be happy, but it’s not only Neymar,” he told Russia Today. “Every team has lots of diving, lots of pretending, lots of putting pressure on the referee.
“It’s not about England and Colombia, it’s almost every match. I was surprised to see central defenders like Harry Maguire, normally he is a very honest guy, diving in the attacking box, asking the referee for VAR.
“The players should feel the responsibility of playing in the World Cup in front of billions of spectators.”
The match at the Spartak Stadium finished 1-1 after extra time, before England prevailed 4-3 on penalties to knock Colombia out at the first knockout-stage hurdle.