Cristiano Ronaldo raises fist at referee after copping red card for elbowing opponent
Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo is in hot water after copping a red card for elbowing an opponent during Tuesday’s Saudi Super Cup semi-final in Abu Dhabi.
The 39-year-old, who signed for Al-Nassr in 2022, appeared to elbow Al-Hilal defender Ali Al-Bulaihi in the chest with less than five minutes remaining in the 2-1 defeat at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
Moments after being shown a straight red, Ronaldo seemingly mocked the referee by raising a fist at the official before ripping off his captain’s armband and throwing it to the ground.
According to local reports, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is at risk of receiving a two-match suspension for his on-field behaviour.
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“I’m not going to take credit away from Ronaldo,” Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus said.
“He’s still very strong, he always has been and will continue to be the most important player in the world, he’s an example and a model.
“But he’s not used to losing in his career, so it is natural for him to lose his head when he loses, as well as for him to lose emotional and mental focus in defeats.”
The hosts scored twice in the second half, with Salem Aldawsari and Malcom finding the back of the net before Ronaldo’s dramatic exit.
Al-Nassr will next face Al Feiha at Riyadh’s Al-Awwal Stadium on Saturday, April 20, with kick-off scheduled for 1am AEST.
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