In light of Cristiano Ronaldo’s contentious red card in their recent 2-1 loss to Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr has decided to request international referees for their next King’s Cup semi-final match against Al-Khaleej.
Although the Saudi Pro League has been successful in luring elite European players in recent years, a significant obstacle they have encountered is the caliber of officiating this season. Al-Nassr, the team of Cristiano Ronaldo, has also received some dubious calls.
Last week, the Knights of Najd were eliminated from the Saudi Super Cup after losing 2-1 to local rivals Al-Hilal in the semi-finals. The situation worsened when Saudi referee Muhammad Al-Huwaish gave Ronaldo a straight red card for elbowing Ali Al-Bulaihi.
Since then, the 39-year-old has been hit with a $5400 fine and banned from two games for both using excessive force and making fun of Al-Huwaish as he left the field. Journalist Abdulaziz Al-Osaimi (via X) reports that Al-Nassr has requested a foreign referee for the King’s Cup, suggesting they don’t want this to happen again.
On May 1, Ronaldo will try to lead Al-Nassr to their first title of the year when they play Al-Khaleej in the King’s Cup semi-finals.
When Cristiano Ronaldo is likened to Portugal’s legendary player, Real Madrid star exclaims, “I think he’s a role model for everyone.”
Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has waxed poetic over Cristiano Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, saying that he is an inspiration and role model for him.
Camavinga was informed in an interview with Oh My Goal – France (via @MadridXtra on X):
“I get the feeling that you have a bit of Cristiano Ronaldo’s
mentality.”
To which Camavinga replied:
“For sure, he’s a role model. I think he’s a role model for everyone.
What he’s doing is incredible & what he did in his career is incredible.
We can only be inspired by him.”
Even though he is nearing the end of his career, Ronaldo has excelled for Al-Nassr this season. The Real Madrid icon has made 37 appearances throughout all competitions, tallying 36 goals and 12 assists.
