“RESPECT THE REAL GOAT.” – Cristiano Ronaldo wins fans’ hearts by asking the ref to overturn a penalty
Ronaldo informed the referee that the penalty decision was incorrect and refused to take it.
Cristiano Ronaldo is well-known for his ‘deadly’ penalty-taking ability. However, Cristiano Ronaldo captivated hearts by turning down a ‘wrongfully’ granted penalty in Monday’s encounter against Persepolis. Despite Al-Nassr losing two points at home, netizens were captivated by the superstar’s sportsmanship and honesty.
Al-Nassr and Persepolis drew 0-0 in the AFC Champions League at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium. The visitors had the bulk of the chances in the first half, with Nawaf Al-Aqidi standing solid in the line of fire. After a lackluster first half, Al-Nassr lifted the ante when Cristiano Ronaldo’s attempt sailed just wide of the post at 56 minutes.
Even though an early red card for Ali Al-Oujami limited the home side’s prospects, Al-Nassr held on for a point. Ronaldo’s moment occurred in the second minute of the game when he looked to be ‘fouled’ by a Persepolis defender. The #7, on the other hand, was ready to dispute the referee’s decision to issue a penalty. A fast replay proved that there had been no touch and that Ronaldo had refused the call honestly. The penalty was eventually overturned when VAR confirmed it.
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s honesty is praised by fans
Al-Nassr drew 0-0 with Persepolis, but it was the captain of Al-Nassr who captured hearts yet again. Fans praised his sportsmanship and ‘honesty’ on social media. According to one fan, Ronaldo represents the sport’s principles and morality. Another said that the player had ‘transformed’ and that no one saw this coming. Another admirer said that this is what makes Ronaldo the GOAT.
However, a considerable number of criticisms were also directed towards Lionel Messi. The fact that Messi would never relate to this, as well as Messi’s ‘robbing’ penalties in the World Cup, became well-publicised. Some fans were dubious, with one saying he would never do this in a big game or when the stakes are high.
VAR has been deployed in the AFC Championship group stages, which means that the penalty would have been denied immediately, blatantly adding a supporter. However, the event has sparked debate on social media, with many praising Ronaldo’s ‘honesty’ and’sportsmanship’ in the game. Al-Nassr continues to lead Group E, 5 points ahead of Persepolis.
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