Thomas Müller Under Fire Over Reaction As Pepe Receives Red Card For Head-Butt

Portugal defender Pepe faces a three-match ban for head-butting German striker Thomas Müller, but Müller "has also come under fire over his theatrical reaction," according to the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Real Madrid’s Pepe, "not amused by what he felt was a case of cheesy acting," went over to Müller as he sat on the turf, bent down with his head close to Müller's and, "with a short, almost imperceptible burst, head-butted the German." Serbian referee Milorad Mazic "had no hesitation in dismissing Pepe in the 37th minute." Portugal coach Paulo Bento suggested that "the referee was biased in favour of Germany after his side had a penalty awarded against them and had Pepe sent off." Bento said, "These were the two things that seemed to show bias and they were both decisive" (SMH, 6/17).