Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has hit back at accusations that his side cheated their way to the World Cup semi-finals.
Uruguay chief hits out at media
Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has hit back at accusations that his side cheated their way to the World Cup semi-finals.
The South Americans booked a last four meeting with Holland after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Ghana.
Uruguay striker Luis Suarez handled on the goalline in the final seconds of Friday's quarter-final match to deny Ghana a spot in the last four of the World Cup.
He was sent off for the offence but Ghana's Asamoah Gyan failed to convert the resulting penalty, and Uruguay went on to win a shoot-out 4-2 after extra-time.
Suarez's actions have sparked claims in the media that Uruguay had cheated Ghana out of the semi-finals and Tabarez is unhappy at the accusation.
Asked by a British journalist if he was embarrassed to be in the semi-finals, Tabarez replied: "Perhaps you should ask Suarez that. Like any other person, he always replies when asked.
"What I am embarrassed about, especially in the British press, is the whole story. I don't know why British journalists have done this, which is shameful.
"It has happened before when a footballer is on the goal-line and handled the ball. It was an instinctive reaction.
"Suarez could not foresee that Ghana would miss a penalty."
Humility
Tabarez added that the Uruguayans were a humble people and insists they deserve to be in the last four.
"Don't talk to me about a lack of humility from the Uruguay players and people," added Tabarez.
"I'm very upset with this whole issue. We feel very proud of our performances and behaviour at this World Cup.
"Uruguay have had three matches with no yellow cards, so don't tell me, or suggest, that we cheat, because I don't accept that at all."
