South Korea players were left in tears following defeat against Ghana because of a “lack of justice” shown by English referee Anthony Taylor, assistant coach Sergio Costa has claimed.

South Korea suffered a 3-2 loss which leaves their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.

Cho Gue-sung scored twice in three second-half minutes to haul South Korea level before Mohammed Kudus fired Ghana to a dramatic victory.

South Korea coach Paulo Bento was shown a red card following a confrontation with Taylor at the end of the match.

Bento was furious South Korea were denied a corner when Taylor blew up after the allocated 10 minutes of stoppage time.

Bento will now miss his side’s final group game against his home country Portugal.

Commenting on Bento’s outburst, Costa added: “It was related to the fact that we thought a different criteria was used.

“In the first half, they let a very similar situation be played, and in the second half, when we had an opportunity for a corner kick, the referee took that opportunity away from us.

Ghana’s win – their first at the World Cup since 2010 – provides them with hope of reaching the knockout stages.

Ajax’s Kudus will take the plaudits after he scored in both halves following Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu’s opener with 24 minutes gone.