Ex-Fifa official issues ‘reckless’ claim as ‘bloodied’ Cristiano Ronaldo footage emerges at Man United
Man United star Cristiano Ronaldo can have no complaints with the referee despite being left bloodied while representing Portugal, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee delivered his verdict after analysing Portugal’s 4-0 win over Czech Republic last week (24 September).
As shown on the highlights on L’Equipe’s YouTube channel, Ronaldo and the Czech Republic goalkeeper clashed as they challenged for a loose ball.
The Czech Republic were awarded a free-kick but Ronaldo was left bloodied and had to change his shirt as a result.
“I think, genuinely, they were both going for the ball,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“If you look at the goalkeeper, his eyes are up top and he appears to be looking at the ball. Ronaldo is the same.
“We’ve got to be mindful of the situation but I think the referee got it right. This was a clash, Ronaldo and the goalkeeper going for the ball at the same time so I wouldn’t have expected a sanction.
“The fact that he appeared to be offside, that wouldn’t take away from if there was a reckless challenge or a challenge that endangers the safety of an opponent.
“The question asked is, who is reckless here? I just think this is football so I think the referee got this right.
“He’s bloodied but that happens in football and you can’t twist the law. Who was reckless? Ronaldo jumping for the ball or the goalkeeper trying to catch the ball?
“They were both trying to win possession in my opinion and making a genuine attempt to get the ball.
“I think the referee judged it well on the right.”
In other news, Man United have set their sights on signing an Aston Villa star and £45million will seal the deal.