Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

Cristiano Ronaldo left riled by Premier League referee as Al-Nassr beaten

Former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo was one of seven players to receive a booking from Premier League referee Michael Oliver as Al Nassr lost 2-0 to Al Hilal.

Oliver was flown over to officiate the clash at the top of the Saudi Pro League in a break from his Champions League duties. Ronaldo was left cursing his luck with the official at full-time after a number of decisions went against his team.

The first moment of debate came just before the interval when Al Hilal were awarded a penalty which ex-United forward Odion Ighalo dispatched. After the break, Ronaldo was booked by Oliver for a headlock-esque challenge.

ALSO READ: Ighalo outshines Ronaldo in Al Nassr defeat

And moments later, the home team made it two when Ighalo again converted from the spot. Further frustration came for Ronaldo when he thought he'd equalised, only for it to be ruled offside.

The 38-year-old also thought he'd won a penalty for his team after a handball in the area, but Oliver reviewed the footage on the VAR screen and opted to overturn his decision. Ronaldo was less than amused as he left the pitch to chants of Messi's name from the Al-Hilal fans.

Defeat for Al-Nassr is a hammer blow for their hopes of winning the Saudi Pro League this season. Ronaldo's side remain three points behind leaders Al-Ittihad, but they have now played a game more.

They return to action on Monday when they host Al Wehda in the King Cup of Champions semi-final. As for Oliver, who was promoted to the UEFA Elite Group of Referees back in 2018, he will return to the Premier League this weekend when he takes charge of Liverpool's clash with Nottingham Forest.

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.