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Cristiano Ronaldo (L) is shown a red card during the La Liga match between Athletic Club and Real Madrid CF at San Mames Stadium on February 2, 2014 in Bilbao, Spain.
Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a three-match ban after he was shown a straight red card in Sunday’s 1-1 Spanish league draw at Athletic Bilbao last week.
According to the referee’s notes, “Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off for the following reason: striking with the hand in the face of an opponent, while the game stopped.”
However, manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that he will not miss Wednesday’s Copa del Rey clash against Atlético Madrid.
“I don’t think we’ll have to wait for the committee’s decision because I’m sure his ban won’t be serious,” Ancelotti said on Tuesday. “Cristiano will start the game tomorrow.”
Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off by referee Ayza Gámez after the former pushed Athletic’s Carlos Gurpegi and furthermore, made a polemic gesture to the assistant referee while he was leaving the field.
http://youtu.be/VsBVdnQKFgY
“I don’t think it was such bad gesture,” Ancelotti said. “The player was unhappy because the red was an exaggeration after he received the provocation he receives in every game. He’s provoked and fouled so much in every match.”
Real Madrid are expected to appeal against the ban as many felt it was Gámez’s mistake to sent Ronaldo off as he was provoked by Carlos Gupergui.
“It seemed simply unfair to me, if anyone deserved a red card it was the guy who started it off,” director Miguel Pardeza said.
“Cristiano should have stayed on the pitch. It seems to me that Gurpegi is the first to put his hands on Cristiano’s chest, and then tries to trick the referee as he exaggerates. We must have another look at the incident, calmly, and our legal department will decide whether to appeal or not.”
Cristiano Ronaldo will miss La Liga matches against Villarreal, Elche and Getafe.
