Cristiano Ronaldo received recognition for his “unreal sportsmanship” after he startlingly informed the referee that he had not been fouled in order to win a penalty. The Al-Nassr forward has been getting a lot of love online for this gesture of his.
It is not something that you see every day in this sport. Players have been brutally honest. For fans the the world alike, it was very refreshing to see the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo holding his hands up and admitting that he was not fouled, in order to get a penalty.
Cristiano Ronaldo shows great sportsmanship
The 38-year-old forward for Al-Nassr looked to have been fouled in the second minute of his team’s AFC Champions League match against Persepolis of Iran. The audience was astonished by the scenes that transpired when the referee quickly pointed to the spot.
The Manchester United legend, Cristiano Ronaldo, instantly waved his finger, saying he didn’t think it was a spot-kick. He could then be observed stating “no pen” as he approached the official. The penalty ruling was reversed after a VAR assessment.
However, fans did not forget what Ronaldo did, applauding his efforts. A fan said, ‘Another added, ‘Unreal sportsmanship.’ Another fan said, ‘What a man! This is the kind of mentality that separates him. Cristiano Ronaldo is the best both in attitude and character.’
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A third fan added, ‘Rarely do you see Cristiano Ronaldo fighting with the young stars demanding unnecessary respect and honour. Respect is earned. Thank you for demonstrating honesty and morality. You are the authentic GOAT.’
However, later in the game, when Al-Nassr was unable to break down the visitors and they fought out a goalless draw, Cristiano Ronaldo might have regretted his sporting gesture. CR7 has played in 18 games this season, scoring 18 goals and dishing out nine assists.
However, they are currently four points behind Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League standings. Al-Nassr leads their group in the AFC Champions League, despite losing to Persepolis. They have won four of their five games thus far and are through to the knockout stages.
CR7 asked to substitute referee
Cristiano Ronaldo has shown us all his colors in his time at Al-Nassr so far. In an earlier game this season, Al-Nassr faced Al-Ettifaq in the King Cup of Champions Round of 16 at the KSU Stadium. There, Ronaldo was so enraged with the referee that he demanded the referee to be replaced.
In the game, Cristiano Ronaldo had to deal with a plethora of problems. First was him being angry with the match referee. He also was targeted with Lionel Messi chants from the Al-Ettifaq, which clearly got to him.
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Talisca of Al-Nassr scored, but the goal was ruled out due to a VAR review that determined Cristiano Ronaldo was offside and interfered with play.
That decision enraged the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. It reached the point where Cristiano Ronaldo asked the match official be replaced. Ronaldo motioned for a substitution while pointing at the referee.
