Cristiano Ronaldo posts 'attitude' message on Instagram after red card (2024)

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.

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.

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.'

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-NassrCristiano RonaldoFacebook Reporter Shift

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