PremiumWATCH | Angry Cristiano Ronaldo elbows Al-Hilal player, then tries to punch referee
As for the outcome of the game, it favoured Al-Hilal, with Al-Nassr exiting the Saudi Super Cup after a 1-2 loss.
Last Updated: 04.13 PM, Apr 09, 2024
Al-Nassr player Cristiano Ronaldo has again made headlines but not for the right reasons. This time, his anger took the best of him as he was sent off for elbowing an Al-Hilal player in the Saudi Super Cup in Abu Dhabi on Monday (April 8). Ronaldo's indiscretion led to a direct red card from the referee following his altercation.
However, what truly captured attention on social media was that, in his frustration towards the referee, Ronaldo appeared to be thinking of striking the official as well but ultimately refrained from doing so. The video of the same has been going viral on social media.
As for the outcome of the game, it favoured Al-Hilal, with Al-Nassr exiting the Saudi Super Cup after a 1-2 loss. Sadio Mane was the lone goal-scorer for Al-Nassr.
This also means that Ronaldo will remain without a trophy since he made his big-money move to Saudi Arabia at the beginning of 2023, as Al-Nassr also finds themselves out of the Domestic Cup and the Asian Champions League. Additionally, his team also trails league leaders Al-Hilal by 12 points, with only seven matches remaining in the season.
Cristiano Ronaldo being sent off:
The Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus was asked about Ronaldo's behaviour and he asserted that Ronaldo is expected to behave in such a manner as he isn't accustomed to losing.
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"He is one of the most important players in the world and is a role model for many, but in his career, he is not accustomed to losing, so it is natural for him to lose his temper when he loses, as well as to lose emotional and mental focus in matches in which he loses," he said.
Notably, it was the 12th time in his career that Ronaldo was given a red card in a match. So far in this campaign, Ronaldo has scored 36 goals for Al-Nassr and helped his teammates with 12 assists, in 37 matches.