Cristiano Ronaldo was fortunate to avoid receiving a red card during Portugal’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Slovakia after catching their goalkeeper with a dangerous challenge. The former Manchester United star lunged in for a tackle with Newcastle’s Martin Dubravka and the shot-stopper came off much worse from the 50-50 collision, with Ronaldo perhaps lucky to escape further punishment from the officials.
The 38-year-old had been left frustrated by his goalless game against Slovakia, although the Selecao led 1-0 through his former club team-mate Bruno Fernandes’ strike in the 43rd minute.
Ronaldo would get his chance to add his name to the scoresheet when the ball fell kindly to the veteran goalscorer inside the penalty area, but he snatched at the chance and mishit the first effort.
The ball bobbled away from him as he desperately dived feet-first towards the ball with Dubravka rushing off his line to smother it.
And Ronaldo appeared to catch the Slovakian’s neck with his studs, prompting outrage from the hosts as Dubravka laid still down on the floor.
Ronaldo did look apologetic as he rushed over to Dubravka to check on his state, while Slovakia’s players crowded referee Glenn Nyberg demanding the Dutch official show him a red card.
However, after a brief VAR check, the referee’s on-field decision to give the Portugal icon a yellow card stood, although replays showed Ronaldo was perhaps fortunate to escape a dismissal for his lunge.
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