Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked more controversy in the Saudi Pro League after refusing to let the game restart when his equaliser against Al Hilal was chalked off. The Portuguese star struck an emphatic volley inside the box on 72 minutes with his side 1-0 down.
However, the goal was judged off-side by VAR despite protests from the Al-Nassr players and coaching staff. Computer images of the narrow off-side call showed Ronaldo’s kneecap as the only part of his body ahead of the last defender.
Furious Al Nassr coach Luis Castro showed replays of the goal to the fourth official on his phone in a last-ditch attempt to have the decision changed. When Al Hilal tried to re-start the match Ronaldo stood in front of the ball and continued his protest.
The Portuguese star’s misery was further compiled by Aleksandar Mitrovic scoring two further goals to give Al Hilal a comprehensive 3-0 victory. Al-Nassr will be left reflecting on Ronaldo’s disallowed effort which could have swung momentum in the match.
Al Hilal came into the match sitting four points above second-placed Al-Nassr and extended the gap further with victory. Despite being 38 years old Ronaldo is still finding the net for his Saudi League club.
In their last league match a week ago Ronaldo scored twice as they beat Al Akhdoud 3-0. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star was then commended for his honesty on Monday night in their Asian Champions League match against Persepolis.
Don’t miss…
Cristiano Ronaldo scores best Saudi goal yet as Al-Nassr ace silences critics[REACTION]
Tottenham could be stung by rich Saudi club with swap deal at risk of collapsing[TRANSFER]
Newcastle can sign four Saudi stars in January after Prem vote on transfer rule[FEATURE]
- Support fearless journalism
- Read The Daily Express online, advert free
- Get super-fast page loading
With the game heading for a goalless draw Ronaldo was judged to have been brought down inside the box and a penalty awarded. However, in an act of sportsmanship Ronaldo told the referee to overturn the decision.
Referee Ma Ning watched a replay of the penalty incident on a pitch-side monitor and changed his decision. The penalty decision was a key moment as the match ended 0-0.
Source: Read Full Article