Cristiano Ronaldo was very unfortunate to be sent off on his Champions League debut for Juventus, according to former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg.
HERE'S WHAT MARK CLATTENBURG SAYS:
With the ball on the left wing, the forward tried to make a run into the penalty area and was blocked off by Jeison Murillo.
There was a small push from Ronaldo which resulted in the Valencia defender falling to the floor but that was not violent conduct.
The referee had his back to the incident. It was spotted by the additional assistant, standing behind the goal, who may have thought Ronaldo threw an elbow but that was not the case.
Ronaldo was then clearly annoyed by Murillo’s play-acting and placed a hand on the defender’s head.
The contact looked very slight and I cannot see how the additional assistant, standing some 20 yards away, could deem it violent conduct.
If I had been officiating this game, I would have given Valencia a free-kick and shown a yellow card to each player. Ronaldo will serve a one-match ban but anything more would be harsh.
mrchase
307
I strongly believe the Real Madrid president wants to put him down for leaving the club. There wasn't any violent contact or conduct. I pity Cristiano Ronaldo, he has so many haters.... BUT I also love the fact that he proves them wrong all the time. you're the most complete player ever... don't let people pull you down.
lotogbe21
110
Cristiano Ronaldo didn't deserve red the reality there is that the center referring need to be banned from all this nonsense he did in the respect of the all star of the all football world wide, some REFREE are mad what is red card on that ball this show the sign of hatred God is there for you CR7 you will conquer your enemy. This can even make him best in the world. So count it as Joy my man, because the game as already been planning......
Jessieluse
109
This is the moment Cristiano Ronaldo's first Champions League match with Juventus turned into a nightmare.