CR7 posts 'attitude' message after seeing RED for appearing to elbow opponent

Cristiano Ronaldo has taken to social media to post a message on his social media after the Portuguese superstar was sent off for violent conduct during Al-Nassr's 2-1 defeat against Al-Hilal.

The 39-year-old, who was shown a yellow card in the first half for unsportsmanlike conduct, appeared to throw his elbow at Al-Hilal's Ali Al-Bulaihi in the second half as the five-time Ballon d'Or winner attempted to take a quick throw-in.

Al-Bulaihi subsequently dropped to the floor sparking a mele between both sets of players, with a video emerging appearing to show Ronaldo stamping on the Al-Hilal defender. It remains unclear if the former Real Madrid forward made contact with the downed player.

It was a chaotic end to the match, but after tempers had disappated, referee Mohammed Al Hoaish showed Ronaldo a red card - the eighth of his professional career and his first for Al-Nassr.

Incensed by the decision, Ronaldo, who has scored seven times in his last four appearances in the Saudi Pro League, then seemed to raise his fist towards the official before withdrawing the action before marching from the field.

He also appeared to tell members of the crowd inside the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium 'all of you are witnessing this robbery'.

Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus rallied to the defence of his Portuguese compatriot, claiming that he was 'not used to losing' and 'lacked mental focus' during defeats.

Despite that, Ronaldo has seemingly spoken out for the first time since receiving the red card today, posting an image on his Instagram story of a sign that reads: 'Love and gratitude is the perfect attitude'.

Earlier in the evening, Ronaldo had received a booking after his side had a goal disallowed. Otavio had thought he'd given his side a 1-0