Cristiano Ronaldo is a prime target of paparazzi, and that is for obvious reasons. The Portuguese superstar attracts attention everywhere he goes but can not always give that attention, especially when he’s in the middle of a challenging game against Shabab Al-Ahli in the AFC Champions League.
Al-Nassr is looking to return to their fortune as they defeated Shabab Al-Ahli in their AFC Champions League. Prior to this, the Riyadh-based team had lost consecutively on two occasions to Al-Taawoun and Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, but they have now made headway in the AFC Champions League and hope to keep it up.
Ronaldo’s heated exchange with referee and fan
When you are as famous as Cristiano Ronaldo, fending off attention-seeking fans is one act you are sure to perform very often. Even when things are not going well for the player, selfie-seeking fans do not back up to allow him some breathing room.
Cristiano Ronaldo angrily pushed away a man taking a selfie after a frustrating first half for his Al-Nassr team in the AFC Champions League.
Ronaldo pushes away a fan in anger. Now imagine this was Messi pic.twitter.com/exgwvotIrS
— ًً (@Pxxdressi) August 22, 2023
Al-Nassr faced a challenging 90-minute battle against Shabab Al-Ahli from the UAE in their continental play-off. The match was evenly poised at halftime, but the Emirati team pulled ahead. However, Ronaldo and his teammates turned the tide, ultimately triumphing 4-2 with the help of two goals scored during injury time.
At the break, the media’s focus was more on Cristiano Ronaldo than the game itself. The 38-year-old Portuguese superstar was noticed fuming after he wasn’t awarded penalties, despite that he was allegedly fouled in the 18-yard box.
Some say Ronaldo’s first fall in the box was a simulation as he had not been tripped at all, while other Al-Nassr fans are of the opinion that he should have been awarded a penalty. The latter trip in the 18-yard box was a little less controversial as Ronaldo was clearly obstructed in the 18-yard box. Perhaps, this led to his outburst at the break.
Video footage circulating on social media reveals Ronaldo waving his arms and speaking in the direction of the officials. As he approaches them, the veteran appears angry and gesticulates further.
Ronaldo was heard saying the words ‘wake up’ at the break. GOAL reported that he was referring to the referee. His teammate, Anderson Talisca, also dissatisfied with the referee’s decision, appeared to have had a few words with the referee at the break too.
RONALDO ASSIST
BROZOVIC SCORES THE 4TH GOAL
AGAINST EVERYONE AND ALL THE CORRUPTION AL NASSR IS WINNINGpic.twitter.com/0VS553bWcY
— aurora (@cr7stianos) August 22, 2023
Afterward, Ronaldo makes his way off the field, only to encounter an individual seemingly attempting to capture a selfie. The Al-Nassr player then intervenes, pushing the person aside to proceed with his exit.
Al-Nassr seizes victory in intense AFC clash
A brace from Talisca and a strike each from Sultan Al Ghannam and Marcelo Brozovic guaranteed Al-Nassr’s 4-2 victory over Shabab Al-Ahli. Cristiano Ronaldo also played for 90 minutes but could not register his name on the scoresheet.
During halftime, Ronaldo was visibly frustrated as he believed he should have been awarded specific penalties for fouls he endured within the 18-yard box. This led to his evident displeasure at the situation.
The former Manchester United later posted on his Instagram page. He acknowledged how challenging the game was and urged his teammates and fans to always believe, despite the circumstances. In his post, he said, “Difficult game, but Important win to qualify for the Asian Champions League! Always believe in the end! Never give up.”
What’s your take on Ronaldo’s angry confrontation? Make sure to let us know in the comments.
