Former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko performs ’embarrassing’ dive after clashing with Pepe in Roma’s Champions League exit to Porto
The Roma star squared up to the ex-Real Madrid defender before hurling himself to the floor
Former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko threw himself to the floor after squaring up to Pepe in Roma’s Champions League exit to Porto.
The Portuguese champions needed extra time to book their place in the quarter-finals with a 3-1 win over Roma, who led 2-1 from the first leg, on Wednesday.
Dzeko, who won two Premier League titles with Manchester City between 2011 and 2016, and ex-Real Madrid defender Pepe were battling throughout the evening and tensions boiled over just before the hour mark.
The pair locked heads and Pepe appeared to shout “f*** you” at Dzeko, before the 32-year-old dived to the floor pretending to be hurt.
Pepe, who has been notorious for his lack of discipline on the pitch during his illustrious career, laughed while Dzeko lay on the floor holding his head.
Referee Cuneyt Cakir was not fooled, though, and awarded yellow cards to both players following the incident.
Gary Lineker poked fun at Dzeko on Twitter.
He said: “How Dzeko survived this Pepe headbutt I’ll never know.”
England rugby legend Brian Moore also made his feelings known about Dzeko's actions.
With a link to the video, he tweeted: "This is f****** embarrassing".
Alex Telles’ 117th-minute penalty, awarded with the help of VAR, ensured Porto progressed to the last eight of the competition.
Porto join Manchester United, Tottenham and Ajax in the draw for the quarter-finals, which takes place on March 15.