Cristiano Ronaldo Escapes Red Card After Dangerous Tackle on Ex Man United Player, Video

Cristiano Ronaldo Escapes Red Card After Dangerous Tackle on Ex Man United Player, Video

Martin Moses
updated at September 9, 2023 at 4:41 AM
In this article:
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C. Ronaldo
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  • Cristiano Ronaldo committed a dangerous foul during Portugal's game in the Euro 2024 qualifiers
  • The five-time Ballon d'Or winner kicked Slovakia's goalkeeper, Martin Dubravka, in the second-half
  • He will now be suspended for Pirtugal's next game against Luxembourg

Cristiano Ronaldo luckily survived being sent off after he inadvertently kicked his former teammate at Manchetser United, Martin Dubravka, on September 8.

Ronaldo was in action for his Portuguese side as they faced Slovakia at the Tehelne Pole in Bratislava in the race to qualify for next year's Euro Championships.

Martin Dubravka, Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo fouls Slovakia goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on September 8. Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media.
Source: Getty Images

Roberto Martinez's side took the lead via Bruno Fernandes in the first half - a goal which proved to be the difference on the night as Portugal continued with their perfect record in the qualifiers.

Ronaldo's foul on Dubravka

After the break, the Selecao skipper Ronaldo collided with Slovakia's goalkeeper, Dubravka, leaving him requiring medical attention. A ball was swung into the area, which was scuffed by the Al-Nassr striker.

He attempted to make amends by following up on it but ended up running into Dubravka, who was already out of his area to collect the ball.

Centre referee Glenn Nyberg from Sweden booked the 38-year-old, which he took gracefully. He then hang out around at the scene as he checked on the welfare of his opponent as he received treatment.

The two were teammates briefly at Manchester United before Ronaldo's contract was terminated and Dubravka sent back to his parent club, Newcastle United.

The yellow card means Ronaldo will miss Portugal's next game against Luxembourg. His international break is now over and he could possibly return to the Middle East and await the resumption of the Saudi Pro League.

Ronaldo's impact on Saudi League

Sports Brief also reported on the Saudi Pro League currently standing at the pinnacle of Asian football, reinforcing the Portuguese veteran's forecast that it will soon vie with Europe's leading leagues.

The SPL consistently garners the highest coefficient in Asia thanks to the achievements of clubs in the AFC Champions League. However, Ronaldo's Al-Nassr arrival sparked a transformation.

Authors
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Martin Moses
Martin Moses is a sports journalist with over five years of experience in media. He graduated from Multimedia University of Kenya (Bachelor of Journalism, 2017-2021)