WORLD REACTS TO FAIR PLAY ATTITUDE OF CRISTIANO RONALDO WHO REFUSED A PENALTY VS PERSEPOLIS

WORLD REACTS TO FAIR PLAY ATTITUDE OF CRISTIANO RONALDO WHO REFUSED A PENALTY VS PERSEPOLIS

Al Nassr held the visiting team Persepolis to a 0-0 draw in the matchday 5 encounter of Group E in the 2023/2024 AFC Champions League. Playing at home at Al-Awwal Park Stadium, Al Nassr had the upper hand in this match. They were already comfortably leading the group standings and needed just one more point to secure their spot in the knockout stage. The game was closely contested, with Persepolis playing aggressively to chase a victory. The away team was also in pursuit of a qualification ticket, and three additional points would have greatly benefited them. Interestingly, just two minutes into the game, Al Nassr attacked the opponent's penalty area. A cross from the right wing was delivered to Ronaldo, who was ready in the penalty area. Ronaldo initially lost control of the ball, but then the loose ball was in the midst of a player scramble. At that moment, Ronaldo contested the ball with an opponent. It briefly appeared that Ronaldo touched the ball first, and then his leg was immediately swept by the opponent. The referee promptly blew the whistle for a foul, awarding a penalty to Al Nassr. Remarkably, as Persepolis players surrounded the referee in protest, Ronaldo approached the referee while gesturing a refusal. He declined the penalty award, admitting that he actually fell on his own and was not fouled by the opponent. After rejecting the penalty opportunity, Al Nassr faced difficulties as they lost a player. Ali Lajami received a red card in the 17th minute, benefiting Persepolis. Nevertheless, no goals were scored until the end of the match. Persepolis's 12 attempts on goal failed to breach Nawaf Alaqidi's net, and the match concluded with a 0-0 score after 90 minutes. The knightly attitude of a football mega-star further solidifies Ronaldo as a role model for young players.

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