Morocco Launch An Official Complaint To FIFA About World Cup Referee Cesar Ramos After Their 2-0 Defeat To France - Details

The Morocco FA has filed an official complaint to FIFA regarding the performance of referee Cesar Ramos after last night's World Cup semi-final defeat to France.

The Atlas Lions went down 2-0 to Didier Deschamps's side to end an historic run at the tournament, with Morocco becoming the first-ever African side to reach the final four of a World Cup. 

They slammed the 'grotesque refereeing' and claimed Ramos had denied them 'two obvious penalties' during the first half of the clash.

In a statement on their website, the Moroccan FA also said: 'The Royal Moroccan Football Federation strongly protested the refereeing of the Moroccan national team match against the French national team, led by Cesar Ramos. 

A particular incident of contention in the clash was in the first half when Morocco forward Sofiane Boufal was booked after appearing to be taken out by France left-back Theo Hernandez in the box.

Hakim Ziyech had found space inside Hernandez before the French defender then recovered, but a heavy touch inside the box saw him collide with Boufal.

The collision was given in favour of France, with referee Ramos punishing the former Southampton player with a yellow card. 

However, replays suggest that the decision could have easily gone in favour of Morocco by way of a penalty. 

Rio Ferdinand, in the BBC studio for their coverage of the match, said: 'I think anywhere else on the pitch that's a foul, so why is it not a penalty? That is out of order. I think it's a pen, he definitely doesn't deserve to get booked.'

Ferdinand's thoughts were echoed by former England defender Stuart Pearce on talkSPORT who said: 'I tell you what, I'm looking at that thinking that's more of a penalty to Morocco than a free-kick to France.'

Walid Regragui's side crashed out despite an impressive performance against the reigning world champions.

Huge Lloris was forced into several good saves throughout the 90 mins but goals from Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani confirmed a place in the final for France.

Morocco will now face Croatia in the third place play-off on Saturday afternoon to cap off an historic and memorable month in Qatar.