Immobile's play-acting leaves ex-footballers annoyed

Italian footballer Ciro Immobile's sudden recovery to celebrate his team's first goal in the Euro 2020 quarter-final against Belgium on Friday night after he lay writhing in pain has left football experts unamused.

The Italy striker fell on the ground after a touch from Jan Vertonghen during a fight for the ball in the 31st minute. He started to writhe in pain apparently to catch the referee's attention for a penalty, leaving a Belgian defender annoyed.

But when Nicolo Barella scored for the Azzurri after slotting a shot past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, Immobile suddenly got up and started running towards teammates for celebration.

Former England footballer Gary Lineker mocked the 31-year-old Lazio player.

"He goes down and desperately tries to get a penalty 'ooh I am in agony, I am in agony, I am in agony' and then the ball goes in and 'I'm alright'. It's amazing what a recovery," he said on BBC.