Rasmus Hojlund has accused Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus of poor sportsmanship after the pair appeared to push each other following Denmark’s match against Portugal at Parken last Thursday.
The Denmark striker said the incident was unrelated to Jesus’ decision to leave Cristiano Ronaldo out of Portugal’s starting line-up, insisting instead that the coach had failed to acknowledge him properly after the final whistle.
Jesus walked on to the pitch to greet the players after Portugal’s 4-2 victory. Having shaken Hojlund’s hand and patted him on the chest, the coach was lightly pushed back by the Danish forward, who then walked away appearing unhappy.
Jesus appeared to try to ease the tension by smiling as Hojlund moved past him. He later said he did not know why the striker had reacted in that way, but treated the incident lightly.
Asked about the exchange by broadcaster TV2 after Denmark’s 1-0 win against Wales in Cardiff, Hojlund said the coach’s team selection had not been the reason for his reaction.
“The shove didn't really have anything to do with Jorge Jesus's coaching decision. It was because he couldn't be bothered to look me in the eye. I think it's poor sportsmanship,” said Hojlund.
“It’s perfectly fine to give a proper handshake after a football match. I got a very cold shove to the chest, and he just looked right past me. So that’s why I just pointed it out: ‘Hey, are we being serious here?’”
Tension had already surrounded the fixture because of Ronaldo’s absence from Portugal’s starting XI and his unexpected departure from the national team camp the previous day.
Hojlund, a lifelong admirer of Ronaldo, added to the atmosphere during the match by performing the Portugal captain’s trademark “Siuuu” celebration after scoring Denmark’s second goal to make it 2-2.
Portugal ultimately won 4-2, maintaining their perfect record in the Nations League campaign.