Chelsea supporters were raging at Bruno Fernandes during their first half of their FA Cup semi-final clash with Manchester United after the Portugal international found himself on the deck on several occasions.
Interest had peaked on Fernandes’ tendency to win fouls in the build-up to the match because Frank Lampard accused the midfielder of being “clever” to win a penalty against Aston Villa.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hit back at the Chelsea head coach with a stern defence of his star man.
The Norwegian insisted Fernandes does not “con” the referee and accused his rival of having an agenda to fit a narrative.
Fernandes won several free-kicks in the first half of United’s clash with Chelsea, which led to Blues supporters fuming.
“Bruno Fernandes is one hell of a diver,” one supporter tweeted.
Another added: “”Fairly sure a strong enough wind would knock Bruno Fernandes over.”
A third user said: “Bruno fernandes is always diving what is this.”
While a further supporter commented: “This Bruno Fernandes dives more than Jack Grealish.”
Referee Mike Dean awarded United a massive 12 fouls during the opening 45 minutes.
While a further person wrote: “Chelsea are such dirty cheats, trying to injure Fernandes every time he touches the ball #MUNCHE.”
Fernandes joined United for £47million from Sporting Lisbon in January and has helped them to an 18-match unbeaten run across all competitions.