BREAKING: Real Madrid’s appeal of Ronaldo’s ban fails, Zidane in trouble.
By Alex McVey
Real Madrid’s appeal of Cristiano Ronaldo’s five match ban has failed, and Ronaldo’s ban has been upheld. But he’s not the only one who could find himself in trouble with the league.
Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo had an exciting but brief game against Barcelona. He was substituted on in the second half, scored a goal, earned a yellow card for removing his shirt in his post-goal celebration. He then came together with Samuel Umtiti in a collision that was neither foul nor dive, but was ultimately booked for diving. That being his second yellow, Ronaldo was sent off, a decision that didn’t rest well with the Portuguese talisman. He then proceeded to give a light shove to the referee, an offense that the league doesn’t take lightly.
The league ultimately decided that Ronaldo’s combined infractions were worth a five match ban, including the second leg of the Super Copa.
Real Madrid’s manager Zinedine Zidane spoke to the press following Madrid’s 3-1 thrashing of Barcelona. There, he told members of the press that he was angry and upset at the severe nature of Ronaldo’s punishment:
"I’m not going to get involved with the referees, but when you look at everything that happened and you think that we’re going to be missing Cristiano for five games, there’s something going on there. I’m angry about that."
Zidane said he was happy to wait and see until the appeals committee made their final ruling. It seems as if that ruling has come down against Real Madrid.
MARCA: Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Zidane by and he could be fined for criticising Cristiano's ban. pic.twitter.com/WxLlfSAmo2
— RmadridEdition (@RMadridEdition) August 16, 2017
Not only has Ronaldo’s punishment been upheld, but it also seems as if Zidane himself may have gotten into hot water with his post-match comments. By suggesting that “there’s something going on there,” Zidane may have violated the league’s rules about calling into question a referee’s decision.
If found to be in violation of the rules, Zidane could face a fine for his comments.
Real Madrid fans were already planning to protest the league’s decision to ban Ronaldo during today’s second leg Super Cup match against Barcelona. With Zidane in hot water as well, the fans certainly have plenty to protest.
Next: Real Madrid position preview: center backs