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SAFF Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-24 MD7 Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr SFC gestures during their Match Day 7 of the SAFF Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-24 against Al-Ahli Saudi FC at the King Saud University Stadium on September 14, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Riyadh King Fahd International Stadium Kingdom of Saudi Arabia PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxJPNxUK Copyright: xStrignerx 2023.09.22_PSI03215_SRA_0000504
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1034734690h.jpg)
via Imago
SAFF Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-24 MD7 Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr SFC gestures during their Match Day 7 of the SAFF Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-24 against Al-Ahli Saudi FC at the King Saud University Stadium on September 14, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Riyadh King Fahd International Stadium Kingdom of Saudi Arabia PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxJPNxUK Copyright: xStrignerx 2023.09.22_PSI03215_SRA_0000504
Nothing went right for Cristiano Ronaldo yesterday. The Portuguese superstar was expected to lead from the front but he once again blanked against Al Hilal. His passing was uncharacteristically poor and CR7 even caused Otavio’s goal to be ruled out after being adjudged offside. But, more than anything, what epitomized Ronaldo’s night was his red card controversy. After being sent off, the Portuguese star was not happy and even attempted to punch the referee! A former Saudi player has taken note of the incident and believes that Ronaldo’s attitude would have been different had the referee been from another country.
Former Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Deayea is the one to accuse Cristiano Ronaldo of refereeing bias. He said, “If the referee was a foreigner, Ronaldo would not have objected in this way.” It seems Al-Deayea is making his claims on CR7’s previous criticism of the Saudi Referees. Recently, in December, the Al Nassr captain felt that he was denied two goals in the league cup match against Al Shabab. Local referees were in charge of that match as per reports, Al Nassr wanted foreign referees for their remaining matches in the season.
محمد الدعيع: لو الحكم أجنبي ما يعترض رونالدو بهذي الطريقة@MohammedAlDeaye#الهلال_النصر#دورينا_غير pic.twitter.com/fh8B5Op2oM
— #دورينا_غير (@SBA_sport) April 9, 2024
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Additionally, it is worth mentioning that Cristiano Ronaldo has also hinted at a refereeing bias toward Al Hilal. He is not alone in this matter as the view was echoed by Castro as well. In a previous Al Hilal Al Nassr game, Castro had said, “The referee is the one who made Al Hilal win today.”
While it seems like Cristiano Ronaldo was not happy with the referee, could that be the reason for his outrage? Interestingly, the rival Al Hilal’s coach Jorge Jesus doesn’t seem to think so.
Jorge Jesus reveals the Cristiano Ronaldo trait that led to the outburst
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The Al Hilal boss reckons that it is Cristiano Ronaldo’s winning mentality that led to him losing his temper. He said (translated via Google), “Ronaldo 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.”
🚨🎙 Jorge Jesus:
“Ronaldo 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… pic.twitter.com/hzg5O1EPMc
— TCR. (@TeamCRonaldo) April 8, 2024
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s frustrations can be understood when taking into context the significance of yesterday’s match. A win would have propelled Al Nassr into the finals of the Saudi Super Cup. This would also have been Al Nassr’s best chance to win a trophy after being knocked out of the Champions League and Al Hilal’s domination in the league. As it stands, CR7’s dream of winning 5 titles with Al Nassr looks a distant reality.