Brazil’s Neymar dropped to the floor in agony during his side’s pre-match handshakes with Belgium.
The World Cup quarter-final got off to a controversial start as the Paris St Germain attacker fell to the ground clutching his face before executing 11 perfect roles following an innocuous coming together of palms with Romelu Lukaku.
“It’s pathetic gamesmanship if you ask me,” moaned TV pundit Lawrence Markson.
“There was nothing in it, yet when he’d stopped rolling he was halfway down the tunnel.
“He’s made a meal of that. Lukaku’s not that type of handshaker.”
However, Brazil coach Tite came to his star player’s defence.
“There was definite contact,” he explained.
“You could see all the Belgium players were targeting Neymar, each stood their with their hand out looking for him.”