Al-Hilal’s manager, Jorge Jesus, came to the defense of Cristiano Ronaldo, stating that Ronaldo’s red card during the Saudi Super Cup semi-final against Al-Nassr was perhaps influenced by his accustomedness to winning.
The 39-year-old lost his temper in the closing stages of a Saudi Super Cup semi-final clash with Al-Hilal, After throwing an elbow at Ali Al-Bulaihi, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was dismissed with four minutes left on the clock.
Jorge Jesus said after the match:
“Ronaldo is one of the most important players in the world and an example for many.
“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.
“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.”
After receiving his red card, Ronaldo appeared to raise his fist in a punching gesture toward the official, who had already turned his back on the 39-year-old.
Al Nassr expressed their disappointment with Monday’s refereeing on social media, suggesting the game’s outcome was pre-determined.
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The club wrote on social media after the game:
“You can’t change what was already decided before! Thanks to our fans.”
Al Nassr coach Luis Castro claimed that VAR should have intervened as Ronaldo did not deserve to be sent off.
“It is difficult to talk about the incident in which Ronaldo received the red card,” Castro said.
“We’ve seen several clips throughout this season where Ronaldo was provoked 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.”
The defeat is a significant blow to Ronaldo and Al Nassr, who are likely to end the campaign without silverware.
Al Nassr has been eliminated from both the domestic cup and the Asian Champions League.
