Leonardo Bonucci has been roundly mocked after pretending to be injured as Atletico Madrid scored their opener in the Champions League against Juventus - and inadvertently being responsible for the strike.
Bonucci tangled with Atletico defender Jose Gimenez as the ball was swung into the box during the second half of their clash at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday.
As Gimenez applied light pressure to Bonucci, the Italian crumpled to the floor, holding his face - but clearly peeking through his fingers to watch of the referee blew his whistle.
Scroll down for video.
The ball bobbled around the box taking a number of deflections, before it came off the side of Bonucci as he rolled around on the floor.
With the ball free, and the man who had been marking him indisposed, Gimenez was free to sweep the ball home and give Atletico the lead. They went on to win the first leg clash 2-0.
Bonucci, having watched as the comical scenes went on around him, added an extra layer of farce by rolling around with added vigour after the ball hit the net, in a futile attempt to draw a foul.
He was perhaps inspired by central defensive partner Giorgio Chiellini, who was judged to have been fouled by Alvaro Morata earlier in the half, resulting in the Chelsea loanee's goal being chalked off via VAR.
However Bonucci's play-acting was in vain, and made him a figure of fun on social media after the game.
Amused fans posted GIFs, videos and memes at his expense, while one compared him to Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets, renowned for his theatrics.
The upshot of the night's result is that Juve face a very tough ask to reach the Champions League quarter finals after defeat in Madrid.
CRLJ
1
it was kind of his fault the goal scored because the ball came back off him if it hadnt it wouldve most likely been cleared
Hewcikmopt
0
This game should have ended in 3:0 to Atleti's favor. I really don't understand this VAR of a thing.
Yes you are right ... though I am a Cr7 fan and support Juventus...but the fact is Athletico won by 3 goals actually...I consider Athletico as a most strongest team ahead of Barcelona,Real Madrid,City and Juventus despite their looses against small teams.But letβs again wait and watch 2nd leg,anything can happen in football.
saodeikru
0
CR7 effect
smith09
0
Because you team forgot Dybala and focus more on Ronaldo.
ur funny. if only you were also intelligent
Mercurial829
0
ya....too dramatic defenders.. I wonder how they r called top defenders
Too young I guess for you guys to see real Italian defenders. Maldini Nesta Cannavaro Baresi etc
geseey
0
Do you think guys, this juve will come through to the final?
sultrn
1
I think he avoid to see that shameful celebration produce by simeone.
pesabdekl
0
This game should have ended in 3:0 to Atleti's favor. I really don't understand this VAR of a thing.
Yah, your right. Tbh, Morata's goal should have stood too, when we see the replay, there was a little pause between the velocity of the push and the fall of Chiellini which means Chiellini dived.
Skildowizard
0
Dybala was a waste yesterday
Because you team forgot Dybala and focus more on Ronaldo.
Skildowizard
0
Still beat you guys 3-0.can you remember?
Nothing is more painful than losing a final. Remember πππ
IndianUTuber
1
he was hit in the eye that's way he fail
yes, indeed he failed ππ€£
danny7_ida
0
This team can only compete on serie A
Still beat you guys 3-0.can you remember?
Wepbilps
1
Just like Messi did once πππ
Yes messi is an oscar acting ππ
subknst
1
This team can only compete on serie A
cateimnot
4
Dybala was a waste yesterday
iViper
0
Haha! Chiellini did the same thing when morata scored and it actually worked!
Was about to say that
Jozbcdlouz
2
he was hit in the eye that's way he fail
vfc1
2
Just like Messi did once πππ
like thisπ π
Dinko
0
just check again
yeah I checked.
Basanta89
1
dont know about ucl but bonnuci will surely win the oscarπ π
Just like Messi did once πππ
lakshya007
0
that's a build up shoulder puss. It's ok in a contact sport otherwise play golf.
just check again
Dinko
0
I admit atletic played well but doesn't anyone see that giminez pushed bonucci ??
that's a build up shoulder puss. It's ok in a contact sport otherwise play golf.
Dinko
1
dont know about ucl but bonnuci will surely win the oscarπ π
most useless player.
Paeakltu
0
These Italian defenders have always been cheats. People are being overly critical now that cr7 is on their team lol....
ya....too dramatic defenders.. I wonder how they r called top defenders
vfc1
6
dont know about ucl but bonnuci will surely win the oscarπ π
combination
1
Cheats shouldn't win. Glad Athletico won.
justdoitt
2
Haha! Chiellini did the same thing when morata scored and it actually worked!
emphasize
1
That's what they get for cheating. When will the ruling bodies put a stop it and retrospectively ban players for play acting it's not a flippin pantomime
Mutable
2
These Italian defenders have always been cheats. People are being overly critical now that cr7 is on their team lol....
Baapu56
3
Whatβs to understand about var. Var takes pics from every angle and played the tape in slow motion. Then they make an assignment and tells the ref what they see.
And not to mention, everything is exaggerated in slow motion. Man that push from Morata wasnβt even a baby push π€¦ββοΈ
lakshya007
1
I admit atletic played well but doesn't anyone see that giminez pushed bonucci ??
Lionaire
6
Neymar Has become a teacher it seems
29356899(deleted)
0
This game should have ended in 3:0 to Atleti's favor. I really don't understand this VAR of a thing.
Whatβs to understand about var. Var takes pics from every angle and played the tape in slow motion. Then they make an assignment and tells the ref what they see.
Longlife2000
1
He was acting so that the referee will rule the goal out...πππ
Bridgette2018
7
This game should have ended in 3:0 to Atleti's favor. I really don't understand this VAR of a thing.