Jude Bellingham was accused of an x-rated outburst by Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz following England’s disappointing 0-0 draw with his side in Boston.
The Three Lions’ playmaker, who was later substituted, exchanged heated words with opposition players as they headed to the tunnel at half-time after he escaped a yellow for a barge on Jerome Opoku in front of the dugouts.
Bellingham was also spotted rowing with a Ghana coach as tempers flared, with Queiroz – who claimed his side has a clear penalty turned down – held back by his staff.
Images seemed to show both sides exchanging expletive-laden insults. ‘He had a bad reaction with some bad names,’ the former Manchester United assistant said.
‘My intention was to tell him to cool down with that tackle. He went with his foot against my player. But my first goal was to cool down because I was worried that the player was not in 100% health.
‘In the middle of the emotional moment these things are normal. He swears and that created more tension. It’s football, it’s nothing special. One word created a bit of fire but we cooled down. Football is not dancing in a saloon with tuxedos. It’s not a show.’
Frustrations boiled over at the interval at the Boston Stadium, with Bellingham, 22, exchanging words with Queiroz. Morgan Rogers, Bellingham’s close friend and competitor for a spot in the team, stepping in to restrain his team-mate.
Jude Bellingham was involved in a heated confrontation with Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz at half-time of the World Cup clash
Manager and player had to be restrained, with Morgan Rogers stepping in to pull his team-mate away from the scene
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Photographers snapped Queiroz, 73, seemingly shouting at Bellingham after the half-time whistle was blown – and an expert lip reader has revealed what was said.
Nicola Hickling, expert analyst and professional lip reader at Covers.com, has adjudged that John Paintsil, former Ghana defender and a member of the side’s coaching staff, said: ‘F*** off mate, yeah.’
Quieroz is then believed to have said: ‘Hey, hey… f*** you mate, f*** you.’
Thomas Tuchel then got involved, saying: ‘Just go, get off now.’
Noni Madueke also appeared to clash with Queiroz, with England assistant Anthony Barry doing his best to push his players away.
The issue appeared to come after the Real Madrid star committed a foul just before half-time, barging Jerome Opoku in front of the dugout.
Bellingham, who was substituted and given a man of the match award he said should have gone to a Ghana man, also played down the row.
‘It was just when I made a silly tackle, to be honest,’ he explained. ‘I was trying to try to win the ball, and I followed for a little bit and caught the lad. I spoke to him after, and then their bench jumped up trying to get me a yellow card. So, I think their manager I just recognised him. He’s obviously the one who used to be at Manchester United, so great respect, and nothing but a competitive edge for both of us.’
Portuguese Queiroz took over at Ghana earlier this year after leaving his role as manager of Oman.
He worked at United under Sir Alex Ferguson, starting out at Old Trafford back in 2002. He left not long after to take over as Real Madrid manager.
The Portuguese returned to United in June 2004, and stayed in his position until July 2008.
He has also coached the likes of Portugal, Colombia and Egypt in his long career.
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