Cristiano Ronaldo’s frustration with the referee during their match with Al-Nasr on Tuesday led to a soccer ball sent off at the end of the first half against Abha.
Ronaldo, who was playing in the King’s Cup of Champions game in the Saudi Pro League, delivered a clear flick from Al-Nasr’s zone and a good chance to clear his teammates. Al-Nasr was already 2-0 up in the match.
However, the referee blew the whistle just above the 47-minute mark – adding two minutes of extra time to the end of the regular 45-minute first half.
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Al-Nasr’s Cristiano Ronaldo appeals during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Wehda and Al-Nasr at King Abdul Aziz Stadium on February 9, 2023 in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Khalid Alhaj/MB Media/Getty Images)
Ronaldo took exception to this, seeing a golden opportunity to put another goal on the board, and promptly punted the ball downfield.
Because of his anger, the referee pocketed his yellow card and issued it to Ronaldo. The 38-year-old soccer superstar scoffed at it, as he didn’t even look the referee’s way.
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Al-Nasr didn’t need that goal-scoring chance at the end of the match, as they beat Abha 3–1 to reach the semi-finals. Sami Al-Najel, Abdullah Al-Khaibari and Mohamed Maran were the scorers for Al-Nasr.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nasser before the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ittihad and Al Nasser at King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah on March 9, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Khalid Alhaj/MB Media/Getty Images)
Ronaldo has been frustrated of late as he has not put the ball in the back of the net in his last two matches. This can add up to a decision to punt the ball at a great opportunity to convert it.
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In seven games with his new team this year, Ronaldo has scored eight goals and assisted two. It was the first yellow card he received.
Nasser’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo stands on a free-kick during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nasser and Al-Batin at Misool Park Stadium on March 3, 2023 in Riyadh, the Saudi capital. (-/AFP via Getty Images)
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Al-Nasr will face Al-Wehda in the semi-finals on April 23, but before that they have four matches.
