Bruno Fernandes has been the target of abuse, with Cristiano Ronaldo fans causing carnage after Joao Neves' controversial comments and the Portugal legend's frustration in the Congo draw
Cristiano Ronaldo looks on before a Portugal match at the World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo has posted on social media from inside the Portugal camp at the World Cup(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Cristiano Ronaldo defiantly claims that Portugal are 'always united' after Bruno Fernandes and several of his team-mates were targeted with abuse following their 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Joao Neves has also been abused on social media following some controversial comments in which he said that the Portugal legend is no different to other players in the squad.
Ronaldo, 41, is facing criticism for his performance as captain after a lacklustre display in Houston. Portugal's captain appeared frustrated with his team-mates throughout the stalemate.
His response comes after claims from prominent Portuguese journalist Vitor Pinto that there is a risk of 'civil war' within the team. Ronaldo, however, is now stressing togetherness on social media.
The Al-Nassr forward shared that they are 'always united' on alongside a photo of several team-mates during a World Cup training session before they face Uzbekistan on Tuesday. Ronaldo has also posted on his Instagram story: "Focus on what you can control".
He notably wrote the latter in English, with his previous two posts being in Portuguese. His first post following their 1-1 draw was equally as defiant. Ronaldo said: "Not the start we wanted, but this is far from over. Head up and focus on the next game."
It is not just his social media activity that is in the spotlight this summer; his family's is attracting attention as well. His sister Katia 'liked' an Instagram post from a Brazilian account that criticised Fernandes by captioning a photo of him: "This one here is the Raphinha for Portugal. Too much popcorn for the national team."
Neves has also come in for abuse despite opening the scoring six minutes into their first match of the World Cup. However, his centres around comments made after the game.
He said: "We know what Cristiano (Ronaldo) has done for this national team and for the world of football. But right now, he is one of us. He is no different. He is an additional player to help and contribute to Portugal's performance just like all of us.
Bruno Fernandes reacts towards Cristiano Ronaldo
Bruno Fernandes has faced the brunt of abuse after Portugal drew 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of the Congo(Image: Getty Images)
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"He played very well, the whole team had an excellent match. We are united. And in the long term, that's what will make the difference.
"It's not this draw that should ruin our morale. On the contrary, this result will only strengthen us further to do better in the upcoming matches."
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