Cristiano Ronaldo lucky escaped being sent off after he indeliberately his former Manchester United teammate, Martin Dubravka, on September 8, Newspremises reports.
The Al-Nassr star was in action for Portugal as the encounter at Slovakia at the Tehelne Pole in Bratislava in the race to qualify for next year’s Euro Championships.
Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring for Portugal with a beautiful strike –a goal which proved to be the difference on the night as Portugal continued with their perfect record in the qualifiers.
Ronaldo’s foul on Dubravka
After the break, the Selecao skipper Ronaldo collided with Slovakia’s goalkeeper, Dubravka, leaving him requiring medical attention. A ball was swung into the area, which was scuffed by the Al-Nassr striker.
He attempted to make amends by following up on it but ended up running into Dubravka, who was already out of his area to collect the ball.
Centre referee Glenn Nyberg from Sweden booked the 38-year-old, which he took gracefully. He then hang out around at the scene as he checked on the welfare of his opponent as he received treatment.
The two were teammates briefly at Manchester United before Ronaldo’s contract was terminated and Dubravka sent back to his parent club, Newcastle United.
The yellow card means Ronaldo will miss Portugal’s next game against Luxembourg. His international break is now over and he could possibly return to the Middle East and await the resumption of the Saudi Pro League.
