Rasmus Hojlund has accused Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus of showing a “lack of fair play” after a heated exchange following Denmark’s 4-2 Nations League defeat on Thursday.
The Napoli striker said Jesus would not look him in the eyes after the final whistle and questioned the Portuguese coach’s conduct during the confrontation.
“I made that gesture because he didn’t want to look me in the eyes. I think it was a lack of fair play,” Hojlund told TV2, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
“It really had nothing to do with Jorge Jesus’s tactical or technical choices.”
The post-match incident came after Hojlund had attracted attention by performing Cristiano Ronaldo’s trademark ‘Siuu’ celebration when he scored Denmark’s equaliser to make it 1-1.
Denmark ultimately lost 4-2 to Portugal, but Hojlund said his celebration was intended as a tribute to his biggest footballing idol rather than a provocation.
“He has given so much to football, and I have nothing but respect for him,” said Hojlund.
“Maybe, one day, when my career is over, I’ll look back and realise how lucky I was to play in the same era as my idol.”
Ronaldo had left the Portugal national team camp in the days before the match with Denmark. He had been an unused substitute for his country’s recent game against Norway and was subsequently told he would not start against Denmark either.
After the match, Hojlund appeared to confront Jesus, patting the coach on the chest during an angry exchange.
Hojlund later explained that he believed the incident reflected the way Jesus had treated him after the final whistle. He said the dispute was unrelated to the coach’s tactical or technical decisions.
