Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo received a two-game ban after
striking Malaga's Patrick Jan Mtiliga during a game. (AP Photos)
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is fuming about his two-game suspension following Madrid's Jan. 24 match against Malaga.
"The red card is a disgrace," Ronaldo, 24, told reporters Jan. 30. "I don't understand it."
Cristiano was fined $843 and was banned from playing two games after elbowing Malaga defender Patrick Jan Mtiliga (pictured below) in the face and accidentally breaking his nose.
As a result, Cristiano sat out Madrid's 3-1 win against Deportivo La Coruna on Jan. 30 and won't play in the upcoming match against Espanyol on Feb. 6.
Videos (see below) show that Mtiliga was struck in the face after repeatedly pulling on Cristiano's shirt while Ronaldo was dribbling the ball down the soccer field.
'IT WAS AN ACCIDENT'
Cristiano, who himself has been a frequent target of rough physical play on the pitch, says the occurrence was an accident, but the Spanish football federation concluded that Ronaldo engaged in "dangerous play that caused harm" to his opponent. 
The 6'1" Portuguse international winger explained that because Mtiliga is much shorter than him, his flailing arm accidentally landed on Mtiliga's face instead of his chest.
Following the game, Cristiano reveals he approached Mtiliga and apologized, but Mtiliga said he knew Ronaldo didn't hit him on purpose.
"I've spoken with Mtiliga and he told me that I didn't need to apologize because he doesn't believe I hurt him intentionally," says Cristiano.
SETBACKS MAR FIRST YEAR
Ronaldo's first year with Madrid has been marred with obstacles. On Sept. 30, he suffered a severe ankle injury during Real Madrid's Champions League win over Olympique Marseille.
The injury flared up again during Portugal's World Cup qualifying win against Hungary on Oct. 10.
Cristiano--who is known for his incredible work ethic--underwent extensive physical therapy and trained twice a day on his own to recover from the injury, only to receive the red card Jan. 24.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese international winger was recently named the new worldwide spokesmodel for Emporio Armani men's underwear and jeans. The hunky, superfit Ronaldo has already begun appearing in sexy new ads for the brand.
Real Madrid's next game is on Feb. 6 against Espanyol. Cris, who turned 25 Feb. 5, will miss it.
Read more on Cristiano Ronaldo:
- Cristiano Ronaldo: My heart has been broken many times
- Cristiano Ronaldo flaunts rippling 6-pack in Armani underwear
- Cristiano Ronaldo: 'I can’t please everyone'
- Cristiano Ronaldo: My ideal woman is Angelina Jolie
- Usain Bolt advised Cristiano Ronaldo on running form
- 'Cristiano Ronaldo is super-nice,' says Real Madrid captain
- 'Cristiano Ronaldo is undisputed best player in world, says Sir Alex
- Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo: My ambition is huge
- Cristiano Ronaldo: I want to be the best of all time
- Cristiano Ronaldo's diet and workout secrets
- Sorcerer: I put a curse on Cristiano Ronaldo
- Cristiano Ronaldo: 'I believe I am a good role model'
Comments
That was clearly a bullshit call by the referee Ronaldo didn't deserve a 2 game suspension.
I agree with Cawayan. A yellow card would've sufficed.
Love you CR!!!
the spanish football federation is wrong,they are all a stupid peoples ,because they Wronged cristiano ,As did the provision ass Kofi Koggio with Algerian Halich against egypt.viiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiva l'algérie et viiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiva cristiano ronaldo and portugal
Why do they hate him so much.
This deserves nothing more than a yellow card , let alone a freakin 2 game ban.
He bites his nails
Idiot Ronaldo left manchester united. "this is my dream team!" he sucks in real madrid
Two match ban is stupid, really stupid. I think the Spainish Football Federation is a collection of stupid monsters. I don't beleive this kind of decision will take by any kind of professional in this world. The Spainish Football Federation are just a losers. SFF go to hell!
I don't think any footballers like Cristiano Ronaldo will come to the field with an intention to broke their opponents nose or face or whatever.It was just an accident. The Spainish Football Federation hate Cristiano Ronaldo.
اقول السلام عليكم و اقول كرستيانو رونالدو اطلق لاعب كره للجيل الحاضر و بس
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