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What's the story?
Juventus director Pavel Nedved has defended Cristiano Ronaldo's 'cojones' celebration during the Old Lady's remarkable second-leg comeback in the Champions League Round of 16 fixture against Atletico Madrid.
In case you didn't know...
The celebration first came about when Atletico boss Diego Simeone celebrated his side's 2-0 win over Juventus in the first leg of the fixture. Subsequently, he was given a €20,000 fine by UEFA as punishment for the celebration.
After the Bianconeri's incredible 3-0 comeback in the second leg, Ronaldo, who scored the decisive hat-trick, was seen celebrating in the same way to taunt the Atletico manager.
Simeone has since reacted to the celebration saying (via Metro UK), "Surely he was thinking about his people when he did it, like me at the Wanda, saying they have personality. Cristiano is one of the best in the world, it is normal that he can play how he has done tonight."
The stunt could earn Ronaldo a similar punishment or even a ban in one or two upcoming Champions League games.
The heart of the matter
Nevded has now come out in defence of Ronaldo, stating that the Portuguese does not deserve a ban or a suspension.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia (via Goal), he said, "I don't fear a ban. It's a gesture that should remain on the field. The emotions expressed on the pitch should remain there."
"He was insulted a lot in Madrid and also by the fans that came to our home. I understand it, so let's go forward without any bans."
"We deserved to go through. We earned two more games in the Champions League, two games in the quarter-finals. It was a beautiful thing for them and our fans."
Nevded also spoke about their quarter-final draw against Ajax saying, "I'm neither happy nor unhappy. I think it's going to be a beautiful tie. Ajax showed what they can do by putting out Real Madrid. It was no fluke; I enjoyed their performance a lot. We have to be very careful."
"We now have to face Ajax with the same enthusiasm we had against Atletico. I'm very happy because I'm convinced they will be two beautiful games."
What's next?
Juventus is next scheduled to face Genoa in the Serie A on Sunday.
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