Falcao accuses referee of favouring England in win over Colombia
Colombia striker Radamel Falcao has accused American referee Mark Geiger of bias in favour of England as his side crashed out of the World Cup.
Falcao's nation were beaten on penalties in the round of 16 clash following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Moscow on Tuesday night.
England had taken the lead in the 55th minute after Harry Kane converted a penalty scored after he was pushed in the box by Carlos Sanchez. Centre back Yerry Mina headed a late equaliser to force extra time.
Colombia striker Radamel Falcao has accused referee Mark Geiger of bias in favour of England
Falcao was enraged after Colombia crashed out of the World Cup at the last 16 on penalties
Falcao said the fact that Geiger is American and speaks English meant he favoured England
Former Manchester United and Chelsea striker Falcao insists Geiger was favouring England with his decision, pointing to the fact that, as an American, English is his first language.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Falcao said: 'I found it peculiar that they put an American referee in this instance. To tell you the truth, the process leaves a lot of doubts. He only spoke English, some bias was certain.'
'The referee disturbed us a lot, in the 50-50 plays, he always made the calls in favour of England. This situation was undermining us. He didn't act with the same criteria for both teams.
Geiger's officiating was questioned, especially after booking Wilmar Barrios for this headbutt
'When in doubt he always went to the England side. It's shameful that this happens in the round of 16 of a World Cup.'
Geiger showed eight yellow cards in the match, six of them to Colombian players, although no player was sent off.
There were a number of controversial incidents in a tetchy, foul-strewn game, with a particular flash point coming when Colombian midfielder Wilmar Barrios headbutted Jordan Henderson, but escaped with a yellow card.