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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Red Card
5-time Champions League winner, Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears as he was shown his first Champions League red in Juventus’ 2-0 win against Valencia at the Mestalla, Spain.
The 33-year-old football star ended his nine-year successful reign at Real Madrid as he switched to Juventus in a €100m record move in July.
Ronaldo was red carded in his 154th Champions League appearance as a result of an altercation involving him and Valencia defender Jeison Murillo. The 5-times Ballon d’Or winner was shown a red card by referee Felix Brych as Ronaldo seem to have pulled Valencia Murillo's hair in an off-the-ball incident.
The questionable call has left many football lovers bewildered and raised calls for the inclusion of Video Referee Assistant (VAR) to the Champions League.
The red card, if not appealed means Ronaldo will miss Juventus’ next three Champions League games against the Swiss side, Young Boys and both legs of Juve's clash against Manchester United.
Juventus' game against Valencia at the Mestalla will be Ronaldo’s first European game for the Old Lady. Unfortunately for him, he was red-carded on his first return to Spain.
Coach Allegri in his post-match conference, showed his frustration in UEFA’s refusal to implement VAR technology at the biggest club competition, as it would have helped the referee determine whether Ronaldo’s red card was worth it.
"I can only say that VAR would have helped the referee in this decision," he told reporters.
"It is disappointing because we will lose an important player for at least a match."
Allegri commended his side mentality and composure against all odds at the Mestalla;
"We were playing very well until Ronaldo's sending off but we continued to play our football despite that blow and deservedly scored two goals," he said.
"Playing here was not easy because of Valencia attack with this stadium supporting them from the first to the last minute.
"I think the lads did very well, especially because they played good football when we had to do that. We all pulled together as a team when it was the moment to defend these three points."
Ronaldo will hope the UEFA will reduce his 3-match ban in order to face his old side, Manchester United in the coming Champions League fixtures.
