James Rodriguez: "referee influenced the game"

Fernandinho has been criticised for his rough treatment of World Cup star James Rodriguez during the Brazil and Colombia match on Friday night.

The Manchester City player committed a number of fouls on the tournament's top scorer, but referee Carlos Velasco Carballo took no action against the defensive midfielder.

Rodriguez remains in contention for the golden boot, though he is placing some of the blame for his nation's exit at the feet of the officials.

"I think the referee influenced the game a lot," Rodriguez is quoted as saying by MEN Sport, "but that is how it is and we need to look forward."

There were 54 fouls committed during the fiery contest, one of which fractured Neymar's vertabra and looks to have ended the Brazilian talisman's tournament.