Watch Moment Cristiano #Ronaldo Was Sent Off For Appearing To Elbow Al-Hilal Defender [VIDEO]—In a viral video, CRISTIANO RONALDO has been sent off after appearing to elbow an opponent in the chest.
The former Manchester United star, 39, had been in action for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Super Cup when the flashpoint occurred.
With his side trailing 2-0 courtesy of goals by Salem Al-Dawsari and ex-Barcelona ace Malcom, Ronaldo’s frustration got the better of him.
After sliding the ball out of play, Al-Hilal defender Ali Al-Bulayhi tried to prevent the Portuguese from grabbing the ball to take a quick throw-in.
When Ronaldo nudged him out the way, Al-Bulayhi appeared to square up to him.
At this point, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner seemed to ram his elbow into his opponent’s chest.
Al-Bulayhi, 34, went down in a heap, with players from both sides immediately running over.
Kalidou Koulibaly went rushing in and was shoved, before Aymeric Laporte tried to act as peacemaker.
When the referee flashed his red card at Ronaldo, the forward appeared to motion as if he wanted to punch the ball at the official.
He then sarcastically have the ref a thumbs up, before motioning over at Al-Bukayhi, still crumpled in a heap.
As he left the pitch, Ronaldo was taunted by “Messi” chants from the crowd.
This is not the first time that Al-Bulayhi has upset Ronaldo.
In a Saudi Pro League clash last season, the 34-year-old was angered after being accused of play-acting by the Al-Nassr talisman.
On that occasion it was Al-Bulayhi who went on to be sent off after picking up two yellow cards.
The veteran defender has also had run-ins with the likes of Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min.
During Saudi Arabia’s clash with Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, Al-Bulayhi went head-to-head with Messi, telling him “you won’t win”.
Saudi Arabia went on to win the match 2-1, although Messi and Co had the last laugh by going on to win the tournament.
🚨🚨| For this challenge, Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off. 😳pic.twitter.com/wi6elGm82H
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) April 8, 2024
