In a shocking turn of events, Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo received a red card for elbowing an opponent during his team’s 2-1 defeat against Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup semi-final.
The 39-year-old Ronaldo was sent off in the 86th minute after apparently swinging his elbow into the chest of Ali Al Bulayhi, who fell to the ground as a result.
Following the incident, the Portugal international was seen gesturing towards the referee before exiting the field. This is Ronaldo’s first red card since joining Al-Nassr in December 2022.
Ronaldo got a straight red for this elbow
He wasn’t happy with the ref 😬
(via @FOXDeportes)pic.twitter.com/MppTBzv8p6
— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 8, 2024
At the time of his dismissal, Al-Nassr was trailing 2-0, with goals from Salem Al-Dawsari and Malcom, although former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane managed to pull one back in stoppage time.
Three-time champions Al-Hilal are now set to face Al-Ittihad in the final on Thursday. Earlier on Monday, Al-Ittihad secured their spot in the final by defeating Al-Wehda 2-1, with goals from former Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema and Morocco forward Abderrazak Hamdallah.