Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off on his UEFA Champions League debut for Juventus on Wednesday, following a tussle with an opposition player. Valencia’s boss has now revealed what the Portuguese said to him as he made his way off the field.
The Portuguese received his marching orders after a bust-up with Valencia defender Jeison Murillo after just 30 minutes, with the score still at 0-0.
It was an off-the-ball incident during which Murillo and Ronaldo collided while running towards Valencia’s box, before the Portuguese was believed to pull the Colombian defender’s hair seemingly in protest to the way the centre-back went to ground.
After consulting the official closest to the action, the referee showed the 33-year-old a straight red card, much to the forward’s shock and dismay.
Ronaldo fell to the floor in disbelief upon receiving his marching orders, before eventually bursting into tears and making his way down the tunnel.
Many are under the impression Ronaldo was wrongly sent off, and that should Juventus appeal the decision, his suspension could be overturned.
Valencia manager Marcelino admitted that he did not see what had happened, but said the Portuguese insisted he did not do anything to be sent off.
“He was very upset, even crying, because he said he didn’t do anything wrong,” he said, according to Marca.
“I haven’t seen the play which ended up in the red card.”
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