Cristiano Ronaldo's 5 Most Controversial Red Cards

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid - Supercopa de Espana: 1st Leg
Ronaldo was once sent off for pushing the referee Barcelona but it wasn't his most violent outburst

Cristiano Ronaldo may not be a player especially known for possessing a volcanic temperament. But this has not stopped Juventus' new forward from receiving 10 red cards throughout his career. Today we revisit the five most controversial send-offs of CR7's career.

Ronaldo is not especially known for possessing a violent temper on the field. But even he has failed to avoid such incidents completely.

With a new challenge set for Juventus in the tough Serie A competition, we are to see if this attitude is to plague Ronaldo once more. Here are five instances when Ronaldo was sent off while playing at the club level.


#1 Aston Villa vs Manchester United: May 2004

Aston Villa v Manchester United
Ronaldo received two yellow cards against Aston Villa

Manchester United fans got a glimpse into the less pleasant aspects of Ronaldo's penchant for cards in his first season. In this game against Aston Villa, the last of the season, Ronaldo received two yellow cards. The first was offered for diving, the second for time wasting.

This was to be the player's first red card offense. Fortunately, the second yellow card decision was successfully disputed by the club, meaning Ronaldo was not forced to serve a suspension.

Ironically, it had been Ronaldo who scored twice for United to hand them a 2-0 victory. The player's time in Manchester was one that included plenty of club success and individual accolades.

But at the end of the last game of the 2003/04 season, Manchester United found themselves in a disappointing third place. The club would have to wait until 2007 to lift the Premier League trophy once again.

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#2 Manchester United vs Manchester City: January 2006

Soccer - FA Barclays Premiership - Manchester City v Manchester United - City of Manchester Stadium
Ronaldo was sent off for a dangerous tackle against Manchester City

Ronaldo received his second red card in a game against United's eternal rivals, Manchester City. Only this time the Portuguese was offered a direct red card.

It didn't help his relationship with the fans that the card was a consequence of a brutal tackle on former United star Andy Cole. To make matters worse, Manchester City won by a 3-1 scoreline.

The balance of power would shift soon enough, with Manchester City joining their rivals among the top Premier League sides. But at the time, City's battle was one to avoid relegation. The team finished in 14th place that season.

United, on the other hand, would go on to win the title that year finishing six points above Chelsea. Ronaldo was the team's top goalscorer in the league with 17 goals and join all around goal scorer. tied with Wayne Rooney, with 23 seasonal goals.

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#3 Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: May 2013

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By 2013 Cristiano Ronaldo was well on his way to becoming one of Real Madrid's greatest ever players. But this night in May 2013 was one to forget.

Real Madrid played their city rivals Atletico Madrid and ended up losing 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu. Ronaldo, arguably the team's leader, was not of much help, receiving a direct red card after he kicked Atletico captain Gabi in the face during final stages of the game.

Atletico's victory was their first Madrid derby victory in 14 years. Real were chasing Barcelona in what was a losing battle. The loss saw the Catalans go on to win the title by a staggering 15-point difference.

Real were also knocked out of the semi-finals of the Champions League and lost once more to Atletico in the Copa del Rey final, meaning that the Ronaldo and his teammates ended the season without winning a single piece of silverware.

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#4 Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao: February 2014

Athletic Club v Real Madrid CF - La Liga
Ronaldo was sent off against Athletic Bilbao in 2014

It was a red card offense that even Real supporters couldn't defend when Ronaldo was involved in a scuffle with the opposition's defender Carlos Gurpegi. Replays showed the Portuguese laying his fist on Gurpegi's head.

Ronaldo was forced to serve a three-match ban following the incident. The player was fresh off of receiving FIFA Ballon d’Or and was at the time the top goalscorer in the league. He eventually did finish the season as the top scorer with 31 goals - three more than rival Lionel Messi.

It was a season in which Real had to settle for only a 3rd place finish in La Liga, with Madrid rivals Atletico surprisingly winning the top prize. Real would get their revenge in the Champions League final, though, where they beat Atletico to win La Decima - their 10th Champions League crown.

#5 Real Madrid vs Cordoba: January 2015

Cordoba CF v Real Madrid CF - La Liga
Ronaldo was sent off in 2015 too

Ronaldo's temperament got the better of him once more in 2015 and it is arguably his most violent outburst. The Portuguese star kicked Cordoba's defender Edimar, before pushing another player in the scuffle that ensued.

The referee didn't hesitate in giving him a direct red card. Real Madrid scrapped a 2-1 away victory in this one, but Ronaldo was banned for two matches following the incident.

The battle for the top spot in La Liga continued to be a close one until the end. Rivals Barcelona edged out Real, finishing two points above Ronaldo's team.

But there was little anyone could blame the Portuguese for. Ronaldo finished the season having scored an amazing 61 goals in all competitions.

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