Juventus to appeal Ronaldo's red card but success is unlikely

Juventus could reportedly appeal Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card against Valencia, but success is unlikely as they’d have to prove “an obvious error”.

The Portuguese star was sent off after 29 minutes of last night’s win, after being accused of pulling Jeison Murillo’s hair.

Under Article 9 of the UEFA regulations, “decisions taken by the referee on the field of play are final and may not be reviewed by the UEFA disciplinary bodies”.

However, “in cases where a decision by the referee involves an obvious error” then “the disciplinary consequences of that decision” can be reviewed.

For two yellow cards an appeal would only be admissible in the case of mistaken identity, but for a straight red the rules provide for “an obvious error” of other kinds.

According to Sky, the Bianconeri will seek to appeal on the basis that Ronaldo was sent off for violent conduct, when in fact there was no violent conduct.

Article 56 explains that Juve must appeal to the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body in writing “within 24 hours of the end of the match”, paying a fee of €1,000 which would only be reimbursed if Ronaldo’s suspension is overturned.

Any appeal is highly unlikely to be unsuccessful, as while the red card may have been harsh it’s unlikely to meet the criteria for an “obvious error”.

There was no mistaken identity, so the Bianconeri would have to argue CR7 did nothing worthy of any sanction: the red card couldn't be downgraded to a yellow.