Liverpool star branded a "disgrace" and "horrible" after shocking World Cup moment

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has been branded a "disgrace" following Uruguay's elimination from the World Cup.

The two-time champions were dumped out of the competition on Friday despite beating Ghana 2-0.

Uruguay finished third in their group after South Korea pulled off a shock 2-1 victory over Portugal to finish second.

Despite the loss, Portugal topped the group and will now face Switzerland in the round of 16, while South Korea will take on Brazil.

It was a disappointing end to the World Cup for Uruguay and Liverpool striker Nunez, who was booked in the win over Ghana for stamping on the penalty spot after the opposition were awarded a spot-kick.

Ghana skipper Andre Ayew subsequently missed the penalty with the match goalless at the time.

'Nunez has a horrible side to him'

Former Leeds United forward Noel Whelan has branded Nunez as a "disgrace" and says the 23-year-old has a "wild side" which could make it hard for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp to control him.

"It's disgraceful from Nunez,” Whelan told Football Insider.

"It's dishonest and completely blatant – he is not even trying to hide what he is doing.

"I would like to see officials make an example of players who are caught red-handed cheating – and give them red cards. Going to 10 men and getting banned might make them think twice.

"You can see they are clearly willing to risk a yellow to give their team some kind of advantage.

That Darwin Nunez stamp ahead of Ghana's penalty 😳#BBCWorldCup #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/UkTnjNoL9n

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) December 2, 2022

"Nunez has a horrible side to him. He's a brilliant player, although we haven't seen them best of him at the World Cup, but he has a nasty edge to his game.

"Klopp and the Liverpool coaches are going to have a difficult time controlling him and stopping him getting stupid yellows and reds.

"He is out of order at times, and that petulance is a problem. I fully expect him to get a few red cards and multiple extended bans over the next few seasons."