Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a two-match ban by the LFP Disciplinary Committee and is set to miss Real Madrid’s games against Real Sociedad and Sevilla in the coming weeks. Since the Portuguese forward avoided a sterner penalty from the panel, he will be eligible for selection in manager Carlo Ancelotti’s side for the Madrid derby on February 7.
The reigning Ballon d’Or winner was seen to have kicked Cordoba defender Edimar after a tussle in the box. Then, shortly after lashing out at the Brazilian left-back, Ronaldo took a backhand swipe at Spanish defender Crespo.
The Portugal international was immediately shown a straight red card by match referee Alejandro Hernandez. Ronaldo didn’t argue the decision, shrugged his shoulders and received a pat on the back from Ancelotti before exiting the field of play.
In the minutes prior to the red card offense, Ronaldo was seen to have taken another swipe at Crespo – some in the media have labeled it a punch – during a set-piece. But that incident went unnoticed by the match officials.
What has worked in Ronaldo’s favor is that he condemned his actions immediately and also apologized to the players involved.
