Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Al Nassr, received a straight red card for acting violently during Monday’s 2-1 Saudi Super Cup semifinal loss to Al-Hilal.
During a brief altercation on the touchline, Ronaldo appeared to elbow Al-Hilal defender Ali Al-Bulayhi, causing him to fall spectacularly to the ground.
The two squared up with the ball out of play as Al-Bulaihi attempted to stop the Portuguese sensation from snatching it to take a fast throw-in.
This led to Ronaldo’s dismissal in the 86th minute.
Ronaldo seemed as though he was about to hit the referee Mohammed Al Hoaish after being ejected, raising his hand.
🚨 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
— ACE (fan) (@FCB_ACEE) April 8, 2024
The Portuguese star did not hide his disappointment
After receiving a straight red card and finding himself in serious trouble, Ronaldo proceeded to mockingly touch a match official on the shoulder.
🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo to the stadium after the corrupt referee gave him a red card: “All of you are witnessing this robbery” pic.twitter.com/hRJ2KnAkRS
— LLF (@laligafrauds) April 8, 2024
Ronaldo seemed to address the fans as he was leaving the field, saying, ‘all of you are witnessing this robbery’.
Cristiano Ronaldo has faced disciplinary issues before
After a terrible night for both the team and the player, the Saudi Pro League leaders eliminated them from the tournament, setting off a highly contentious conclusion.
This season, Ronaldo has been in the news for all the wrong reasons more than once in Saudi football.
🚨
The incident that led to Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card 👇pic.twitter.com/4hxoBAE4cd— Everything Cristiano 𓃵 (@EverythingCR7_) April 8, 2024
The Saudi football authorities suspended the former Manchester United player for one game after he was seen making an obscene gesture during Al-Nassr’s victory against Al Shabab in February.