# Cristiano Ronaldo Gestures for Referee to be Substituted in Al-Nassr’s King Cup Match
Cristiano Ronaldo gestured for the referee to be substituted as Al-Nassr scraped a 1-0 win over Al-Ettifaq in the King Cup on Tuesday. Talisca appeared to put Al-Nassr in front in the closing stages of the first half, however, a VAR review ruled that Ronaldo was interfering with play in an offside position.
Chilean referee Piero Maza was then involved in another VAR review before the end of the first half as he gave a yellow card to Talisca, which was then upgraded to a red after replays showed the Brazilian intentionally lashing out with his arm. Ronaldo was booked for dissent in the first half and remarkably avoided a second yellow for his outburst before the break.
And he also avoided punishment after he pointed towards Maza and called for him to be substituted in front of the fourth official and the two benches. Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq were reduced to 10 men as midfielder Ali Hazazi was sent off in the 89th minute. Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane scored the winner in injury time to secure Al-Nassr’s place in the King Cup quarter final.
## Ronaldo’s Controversial Actions
The Portuguese superstar’s actions were heavily criticized by fans and pundits alike, with many questioning why he was not punished for his outburst. Ronaldo’s actions were seen as disrespectful and unsportsmanlike, and it is likely that he will face disciplinary action from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
It is not the first time that Ronaldo has been involved in controversy on the pitch, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner having been involved in several high-profile incidents over the years. In 2017, Ronaldo was sent off for pushing a referee during a match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, while in 2018 he was accused of diving during a match against Juventus.
## The Aftermath
The incident has sparked debate about whether or not Ronaldo should have been punished for his actions, with some arguing that he should have been given a red card for dissent. Others have argued that Ronaldo should have been given a yellow card for his outburst, but that it was ultimately up to the referee to decide what action to take.
Regardless of what action is taken, it is clear that Ronaldo’s actions were unacceptable and that he should have shown more respect for the officials on the pitch. It remains to be seen what action will be taken against Ronaldo, but it is likely that he will face some form of disciplinary action from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
## Conclusion
Cristiano Ronaldo’s actions during Al-Nassr’s King Cup match against Al-Ettifaq have sparked debate about whether or not he should have been punished for his outburst. While it is ultimately up to the referee to decide what action to take, it is clear that Ronaldo’s actions were unacceptable and that he should have shown more respect for the officials on the pitch. It remains to be seen what action will be taken against Ronaldo, but it is likely that he will face some form of disciplinary action from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
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