English ref Anthony Taylor blasted for “deep lack of common sense” by livid World Cup boss

South Korea boss Paulo Bento was sent off after the final whistle in his side’s 3-2 defeat to Ghana, and he will now be banned for the clash with his native Portugal

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South Korea boss Paulo Bento blasted English referee Anthony Taylor for showing “a deep lack of common sense” when issuing him with his World Cup red card.

Bento, who was also booked in South Korea’s opener against Uruguay, was sent off after the final whistle of the 3-2 defeat to Ghana after protesting that his side weren’t allowed to take a corner in the dying moments.

He will now miss Friday’s must-win clash with his native Portugal, and he remains angry with Taylor.

“I reacted maybe not in the best way but it was the response of someone who is human and makes mistakes,” said the former Portugal captain, who insists that he will sing the Portuguese national anthem before the game.

“Maybe the way I did it was a mistake but this was at a time when we had good reason.

“It was an unfair decision (not to allow the corner to be taken) and also one that reveals a deep lack of common sense.”

South Korea have to win the game to stand any chance of qualification for the last-16, while Portugal know that they are already though.

Taylor issued Bento with a red card after the final whistle

Veteran centre-back Pepe, who turns 40 in February, is looking forward to the clash, and is merely thankful to be playing in his fourth World Cup after a knee sprain in October threatened his participation in Qatar.

“When I had the injury, I couldn’t sleep to be honest,” said the centre-back, who has won 130 caps for his country prior to Friday’s game.

“I couldn’t sleep because I wanted to recover as soon as possible and play in another World Cup, to contribute to my national team, to achieve victory.

“So the journey seemed very long, but it is now over.

“I have to look ahead, to look forward with the objective of doing the best I can to secure a win.”

Pepe missed Portugal’s opening game against Ghana as he continued to rest the injury, but he returned to the heart of defence for the 2-0 victory over Uruguay which has secured qualification prior to this final Group H game.

But rather than just look towards the last-16, Pepe is already thinking about an unlikely appearance in Canada, Mexico and the United States in 2026, when he will be 43.

“I can’t say if it’s the last World Cup that I will play,” said the Porto defender.

Pepe says he wants to carry on playing well into his 40s

“I am here to enjoy the tournament. It’s a privilege to do what I love, to play football.”

Portugal boss Fernando Santos is likely to make changes for the clash, and admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo is just “50-50” to make it after sitting out training.

However, the Euro 2016 winner has faith in the attacking talent that lies beyond the 37-year-old.

“You could see in the past two games Ronaldo was substituted, so we have a plan of course,” he said.

Left-back Nuno Mendes will miss the rest of the tournament with a thigh injury.