Romelu Lukaku has been praised for his actions during a 5-2 Belgium win over Tunisia as the Manchester United star bagged a brace.
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Fans have applauded Manchester United forward Romelu Lukaku for telling a referee not to award a penalty during Belgium’s 5-2 win vs Tunisia in the World Cup.
The United star bagged a brace for Roberto Martinez’s men as Belgium comfortably swept aside African underdogs Tunisia.
Lukaku now has four goals in just two World Cup appearances in Russia this summer. His brace vs Tunisia draws him level with Portugal talisman Cristiano Ronaldo who also has four goals to his name after bagging a hat-trick vs Spain and a winner vs Morocco.
Lukaku’s performance vs Tunisia however caught the eye of many for more than one reason.
The Man United star was praised after initially appearing to have been tripped inside the Tunisia box. The Belgian striker however quickly rose to his feet to inform the referee that minimum contact had occurred and not to award a penalty.
Was Lukaku simply protecting himself to avoid punishment from diving? Probably. His actions however are certainly refreshing in a world of Sergio Ramos’ and Pepes.
Twitter quickly exploded with plenty of kind words for the Man United talisman.
In a tournament where we’ve already seen some hideous instances of diving, trying to con the referee and cheat your opponents, Lukaku waving his hand at the referee to say “no penalty” was extremely touching. Well played.#BELTUN #worldcup #lukaku #bel
— Football And The City (@ballandthecity) June 23, 2018
Romelu Lukaku goes down after a challenge from the Tunisian goalkeeper, he then gets up and tells the referee it’s not a penalty, Class. pic.twitter.com/KbPp7wMQ0b
— manutd news (@manunitedmedia) June 23, 2018
Lukaku then had a quick chat with the official to make sure a penalty was not awarded, to which Marrufo simply held out a thumbs up sign.
His brilliant act of sportsmanship didn’t go unnoticed and fans quickly praised the Red Devil on social media. pic.twitter.com/0yA7pgfYPz— Lilian Chan (@bestgug) June 23, 2018
One fan posted: “In a tournament where we’ve already seen some hideous instances of diving, trying to con the referee and cheat your opponents, Lukaku waving his hand at the referee to say “no penalty” was extremely touching. Well played.” pic.twitter.com/MjoqknR27D
— Lilian Chan (@bestgug) June 23, 2018
When Messi is diving to be awarded a penalty
When Neymar is diving for a penalty
When Ronaldo is diving to win a penaltyLukaku is stands up to say no for a clear penalty, after a clear contact #Classic #MUFC #BEL #WorldCup
— Oscar Chinja ?? (@Chinjaz) June 23, 2018