Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off for appearing to elbow an opposition player on a rotten evening for the forward.
The Portugal international was named in Al-Nassr’s squad for their Saudi Super Cup clash with Al-Hilal. However, the veteran’s evening ended prematurely after a furious showdown. With his Al-Nassr side 2-0 down in the 87th minute after goals from Salem Aldawsari and Malcolm, Ronaldo tried to get the game moving. He attempted to pick the ball up for a throw-in, with Ali Al-Bulaihi trying to intervene.
That incensed Ronaldo, who shoved his opponent and then appeared to elbow him. The referee quickly brandished a red card to the former Manchester United striker.
The situation could have grown worse, with Ronaldo seemingly priming himself to punch the ball onto the ground right in front of the referee – but he halted himself. The 39-year-old was not ready to end his protests. As he walked off the pitch, he sarcastically applauded the referee and gestured towards the crowd to do the same.
Ronaldo had already picked up a yellow card earlier in the clash. He had already had a tense showdown with the officials after being left furious at the decision to chalk off Otavio’s goal. Al-Nassr head coach Luis Castro was also left furious with the call to send Ronaldo to the dressing rooms.
- Report by The Mirror.