Fifa World Cup 2014: Raul Meireles in the clear over raised fingers

Rio de Janeiro: Portugal midfielder Raul Meireles will not face punishment for raising his fingers in a gesture during his team’s 4-0 World Cup thrashing by Germany on Monday, Fifa said on Tuesday.

“After analysis of the matter, in particular a review of the official video footage, the chairman of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee has considered that there is no element justifying the opening of disciplinary proceedings,” a Fifa spokesperson said.

The midfielder was pictured raising his index fingers apparently in the direction of the match referee, who had moments earlier sent off Portugal defender Pepe.

Portugal’s football association was quoted in newspapers as saying Meireles made the gesture to explain tactics with a teammate and it was not aimed at the referee.