A former England international has sparked huge backlash for his comments about Thibaut Courtois during Belgium's 2-1 defeat to Spain on Friday night. The Red Devils battled hard to take the game deep into the second half in Los Angeles, but were ultimately eliminated from the World Cup at the quarter-final stage.
Dani Olmo had opened the scoring in the first half and, although Belgium levelled through Charles De Ketelaere - who became the first player to score against the European champions at this tournament - Mikel Merino came off the bench to net the winner in the 88th minute and send Spain into the semi-finals.
It was a particularly difficult evening for Courtois who, in what may have been his 21st and final World Cup appearance, was forced off through injury in the 72nd minute. The Real Madrid goalkeeper could not contain his emotions as he was replaced by Manchester United shot-stopper Senne Lammens, whose late mistake ended Belgium's hopes of extending their summer campaign.
Ex-England Star Slammed For Careless Commentary in Courtois Injury
Danny Murphy slammed Courtois, suggesting he was feigning his injury whilst on commentary duties for the BBC. He was amde to eat his words after the Real Madrid goalkeeper hobbled off, clearly emotional.
Fans rushed online to criticise Murphy’s comments. One wrote: “Epic fail from Danny Murphy, mocking Courtois for faking an injury moments before he has to leave the pitch distraught.” Elsewhere, a second added:
"Danny Murphy should be sacked immediately for suggesting Courtois was faking injury."
Elsewhere, another labelled him a "woeful co-commentator", as a fourth comically wrote: "Danny Murphy disrespecting Courtois with the mistrust and distain one would show a feral cat."
Backtracking on his comments, Murphy said: “Well I did him a disservice, it was a genuine injury. We thought it was one of the normal tactical breaks but he’s obviously devastated. Something’s happened where he is unable to carry on, and the tears suggest it might be a little but worse.”
Courtois Considering International Retirement
Despite still being among the best goalkeepers in the world , Belgium's shot-stopper is considering retiring from the national team. Now 34, he will be 36 by the time the European Championship rolls around, and the Real Madrid legend has long spoken about his uncertainty around his international future.
He is one of the final players in his country's so-called 'Golden Generation', and looks set to close the curtain without having won a major honour, despite so many great expectations. Even still, having earnt 109 international caps since his debut in 2011 is some achievement.
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