Cristiano Ronaldo facing 12-match ban after being sent off for shoving referee in win over Barcelona
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Cristiano Ronaldo could be hit with a 12-match ban after being sent off for shoving the referee during Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Barcelona.
Portugal captain Ronaldo received two bookings in the space of three minutes, with the second coming for a dive which the referee took exception to.
Frustrated with the decision, Ronaldo turned round to protest to the referee, pushing the official in the back before storming off to the sidelines.
Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea did not seem fazed by the incident but he did mention it in his report and Ronaldo now faces further action.
"Once the red card was shown, the player pushed me slightly in a sign of disagreement," Bengoetxea wrote in his report.
(Image: REUTERS)
(Image: REUTERS)
(Image: AFP)
(Image: REUTERS)
The Spanish Footballer Federation's regulations state that any "slight violence" towards officials in the form of a "grab, push or shake" should be punished with a ban of between four and 12 matches.
Ronaldo was initially booked for his trademark celebration where he ripped off his shirt and posed in front of the Barcelona fans.
But it proved a costly celebration when he went down in the area, trying to win a penalty.
The referee felt that he threw himself to the ground in a challenge with Samuel Umtiti and quickly brandished a second yellow card.
Ronaldo will now definitely miss the second leg of the Super Cup against Real, but could face further action for his reaction when he shoved the referee in anger.
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(Image: REUTERS)
(Image: REUTERS)
(Image: REUTERS)
The referee did not appear fazed by the incident, with Lucas Vazquez's protestations appearing to take his attention away from the incident.
Ronaldo's red card did not affect the game for Real, with Marco Asensio scoring in the closing stages to secure a 3-1 win.
Gerard Pique's own goal had given Real the lead before Lionel Messi equalised from the penalty spot.