In Monday’s Asian Champions League clash between Al-Nassr and Persepolis, Cristiano Ronaldo showcased exceptional sportsmanship. The forward, renowned for his time with Manchester United and Real Madrid, found himself at the centre of a penalty call after a challenge by Sorous Rafiei early in the Group E game in Riyadh.
Despite being awarded the penalty, protests erupted from Persepolis players. Ronaldo, notably, stepped in and approached the referee. Firmly, he expressed his perspective, stating that the challenge did not merit a penalty.
Remarkably, the referee reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor and, following Ronaldo’s intervention, reversed the decision.
Ultimately, the match ended in a goalless draw, securing Al-Nassr’s top spot in Group E and confirming their place in the tournament’s knockout rounds, thanks in part to Ronaldo’s fair play altering the penalty call.
