Scolari denies Dragutinovic assault

Portugal coach Luis Felipe Scolari denied he punched Serbia’s Ivica Dragutinovic as the European Championship qualifier between the two sides in Lisbon ended in controversy.

Scolari became involved in a 30-man melee towards the end of last night’s 1-1 draw that saw Dragutinovic dismissed, but the Brazilian coach insisted he did not hit the defender.

“I defended (Ricardo) Quaresma. He (Dragutinovic) appeared in front of me but I did not touch him,” Scolari said.