- Al-Nassr's game against Al-Hilal on Monday night descended into chaos late on
- Cristiano Ronaldo was shown the eighth red card of his professional career
- Have Liverpool been mentally torpedoed by Man United? Listen to the It's All Kicking Off podcast
By Ed Carruthers
Published: | Updated:
Cristiano Ronaldohas posted a message on 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 also show Ronaldo stamp 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,refereeMohammed 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 and marching from the field.
Cristiano Ronaldo posted a photo of a sign that said 'Love and gratitude is the perfect attitude'
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The incident that led to Cristiano Ronaldo's red card 👇pic.twitter.com/4hxoBAE4cd— Everything Cristiano 𓃵 (@EverythingCR7_) April 8, 2024See AlsoRonaldo breaks international goal record'I'm back where I belong' - RonaldoRonaldo's top 10 iconic momentsWatch: Cristiano Ronaldo red-carded for elbowing Saudi Super Cup soccer foe - UPI.com
Ronaldo saw red following a clash with Al-Hilal defender Ali Al-Bulaihi on Monday evening
He also appeared to tell members of the crowd inside theMohammed Bin Zayed Stadium 'all of you are witnessing this robbery'.
After the match, 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.
READ MORE:The times Cristiano Ronaldo LOST IT on the pitch: Headbutting Liverpool's future sporting director, shoving a referee in El Clasico and a 'reckless act' in LaLiga - as he sees red once again in Al-Nassr's Saudi Cup defeat
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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.'
Ronaldo had received a booking earlier in the first-half after Al-Nassr had a goal disallowed. Otavio had thought he'd given his side a 1-0 lead on the stroke of half-time, but it was ruled out by VAR.
The decision prompted the ex-Man United star to voice his grievances to the referee, who showed him a yellow card.
According to Al-Riyadiya, Ronaldo is now facing the prospect of a two-match ban and a 20,000 Riyal (£4,200) fine.
He has already served a one-match ban this season, missing Al-Nassr's 4-4 draw against Al-Hazem, after he responded to taunts from fans who shouted 'Messi, Messi' at him during his side's win against Al-Shabab in February.
After the defeat his compatriot and opposition manager Jesus said: 'Ronaldo is one of the most important players in the world and an example for many,' he told the press after the game.
'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.'
— ACE (fan) (@FCB_ACEE) April 8, 2024🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo almost tried to punch Referee with the ball after he got sent off with the Red Card
Most arrogent footballer of all time 🤦pic.twitter.com/RiUxEwIDbA
Ronaldo appeared to elbow and then stamp on his opponent - sparking a brawl on the pitch
Referee Mohammed Al-Hoaish brandishes a straight red card to Ronaldo for violent conduct
Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus explained that his compatriot, Ronaldo, was 'not used to losing'
He added:'It's not easy to play against [Al Hilal's Kalidou] Koulibaly and Al-Bulayhi, they are the best central defenders in Saudi football.
'I'm not going to take credit away from Ronaldo, 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.'
Al-Nassr boss Luis Castro insisted that Ronaldo did not deserve the red card.
'We've seen several clips throughout this season where Ronaldo was provoked,' he said. 'And, after seeing some footage, Ronaldo didn't do anything that merited sending off. The rival player [Al-Bulayhi] pretended [to have been hit.]
'There was little contact between Cristiano and the rival defender. He caused a scene and the VAR should have called the referee to review the episode of the sending off.'
Al-NassrFacebook Reporter ShiftBallon D'or
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