In a recent match between Al-Nassr and Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League, Cristiano Ronaldo found himself at the center of a contentious decision that has now been acknowledged by the Saudi League referee department.
The game concluded with Al-Nassr triumphing 4-0 over Al-Shabab, but the focal point of discussion arose in the 20th minute when a goal, netted by Ronaldo, was disallowed by the referee, who cited a foul.
Ronaldo had executed a header from a Brozovic corner, but the referee believed Ronaldo had committed an infringement due to a collision between two defenders near him. However, video replays contradicted this assessment, clearly showing no foul had occurred. Despite this, the game continued.
Recently, the Saudi League referee department, as reported by CristianoXtra_ on X, acknowledged their mistake, admitting that the goal had been incorrectly disallowed and should have been allowed to stand.
🚨Saudi League Referee Department:
“Al-Nasr’s second goal against Al-Shabab, scored by Cristiano Ronaldo, was a correct goal, and canceling the goal was an incorrect decision.” pic.twitter.com/0wmAIWObQp
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) September 9, 2023
The erroneous decision denied Ronaldo the opportunity for a hat-trick, despite his scoring a brace and being the standout performer in the match. In the larger context, the incorrect ruling did not alter the final outcome of the game.
Notably, even with the disallowed goal, Cristiano Ronaldo currently leads the scoring and assists charts after five matches, boasting six goals and four assists. Al-Nassr, after a shaky start to the season with consecutive defeats, has now managed to secure three consecutive victories.
Their upcoming fixture in the Saudi Pro League, scheduled for September 16 after the international break, will see Al-Nassr facing off against Al-Raed.
Cristiano Ronaldo to return to Al-Nassr after getting suspended from upcoming Portugal fixture
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to return to Saudi Arabia earlier than expected after being slapped with a suspension for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifier against Luxembourg.
The Al-Nassr forward received a yellow card during their recent 1-0 victory over Slovakia. It was a moment of fortune for Ronaldo, as his stray boot made contact with former Manchester United teammate Martin Dubravka’s face, which could have led to a red card.
🚨 Despite being suspended for the next game, Cristiano Ronaldo trained with the Portugal national team.
Leading by example 🐐🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/inbHmv3fYu
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) September 9, 2023
The caution marked his third yellow card of the European Championship qualifying campaign, resulting in a one-game suspension that covers the imminent fixture against Luxembourg.
Speculation has arisen online, suggesting that Ronaldo might cut short his time in the international camp, returning after the last training session to prepare for Al-Nassr’s upcoming Saudi Pro League match. However, there has been no official confirmation from the Portuguese team regarding this possibility.
As the team captain, Ronaldo may choose to stay with the squad and offer support from the sidelines. Portugal is scheduled to face Luxembourg on September 11 at the Estádio Algarve stadium in Portugal.
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