The Taunt That Went Too Far

The heated UEFA Nations League is underway. Many intense games, such as the likes of Brazil vs. Uruguay as well as Argentina vs. Mexico have already taken place. Another fierce matchup was Croatia vs. Spain. Both teams are comprised of many capable and famous stars such as Luka Modrić, Ivan Rakitić and Dejan Lovren on the Croatian team as well as Sergio Ramos and Douglas Costa on the Spanish team.

In September, the same encounter between the teams resulted in a demeaning 6-0 loss for Croatia, so this turned out a satisfactory revenge for the players in the Croatian team. But, one competitor playing for Croatia may have arguably gone too far.

Twenty-nine-year-old Dejan Lovren supposedly taunted Sergio Ramos of Spain. The center-back for Croatia was said to have made many aggressive comments to the Spanish defender describing their inadequacy in grace after a crushing defeat.

He implied that Croatia acknowledged defeat whereas Spain acted like sore losers. Lovren further humiliated Ramos by mocking him while on Instagram Live and soon after, posting a picture of beating Ramos to a header. The Croatian defender shouted out the team of playing poorly on the field, after falling on the ground for no reason.

The defender may have also hinted at a purposeful elbow to Ramos. On social media, Lovren stated that he, “elbowed him good.” Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic and Croatia management staff have not said whether or not there will be repercussions.

Moreover, the disputes between Lovren and Ramos have reportedly been going on since the Champions League Final when Liverpool played Real Madrid. Luckily, this was just Dejan Lovren acting on a limb and these actions were not encouraged by the Croatian team. Furthermore, Lovren is also said to have talked with Zlatko Dalic, the boss of Croatia.