Abu Dhabi, April 9 (Online): Cristiano Ronaldo was red carded for elbowing an opponent during Al-Nassr\u2019s defeat against Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup semifinal.
\nThe incident occurred late in Monday\u2019s game in Abu Dhabi when the Portuguese striker found himself in a tussle with Al-Hilal\u2019s Ali Al-Bulayhi during second-half stoppage time.
\nHe was shown a straight red card for thrusting his elbow at center back Al-Bulayhi\u2019s chest and throat, then appeared to raise his fist towards the referee.
\nSadio Man\u00e9 did score for Al-Nassr following Ronaldo\u2019s departure, but earlier goals from Salem Al-Dawsari and Malcom gave Al-Hilal a 2-1 victory.
\nIt was Al-Hilal\u2019s 33rd win in a row as the club continues its historic run under manager Jorge Jesus having achieved the record for the most consecutive wins in men\u2019s soccer last month.
\nOt\u00e1vio looked to have given Al-Hilal the lead at the end of the first half before his strike was ruled out for offside, and it took until the 61st minute for Al-Dawsari to make it 1-0.<\/p>\n
Malcom, who had hit the post with a long-range effort minutes before, soon scored his side\u2019s second later in the half with a header into the ground.
\nThere was no way back for Al-Nassr from there, despite Man\u00e9\u2019s consolation goal after Ronaldo\u2019s red card.
\nIt wasn\u2019t the first time that the 39-year-old has had disciplinary issues since his move to Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, he was suspended for one match and fined after making a thrusting gesture with his groin towards spectators during a Saudi Pro League (SPL) match.
\nThe defeat on Monday means that Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are likely to end this season without a trophy. Also knocked out of the Asian Champions League, the team is 12 points behind Riyadh rival Al-Hilal in the SPL.
\nAl-Hilal will now face Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup final in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Abu Dhabi, April 9 (Online): Cristiano Ronaldo was red carded for elbowing an opponent during Al-Nassr\u2019s defeat against Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup semifinal. The incident occurred late in Monday\u2019s game in Abu Dhabi when the Portuguese striker found himself in a tussle with […]<\/p>\n
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