Al-Nassr and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has showed the spirit of sportsmanship after convincing the referee to overturn his decision in their match against Persepolis.
The 38-year-old went down in the box and referee Ma Ning pointed to the spot. He could have given his side the lead.
Players from Iranian outfit Persepolis surrounded the man in the middle as they protested against the decision. Ronaldo went to speak to the referee to tell him that it was not a penalty.
This prompted the referee to review the incident with VAR and change his decision.
Ronaldo will be commended for his act of sportsmanship, but Al-Nassr was unable to score any goal against the stubborn Persepolis. Al Nassr defender Ali Lajami was also sent off after just 17 minutes.
Ronaldo has three goals in the AFC Champions League this season, 18 in all competitions. Al-Nassr are still leading their group with one match left after this round of fixtures.
Many fans have reacted to Ronaldo’s gesture.
One said: “Cristiano Ronaldo had the chance to become the joint top scorer in 2023, instead he told the referee it was not a penalty. Incredible sportsmanship.”
A second commented: “Cristiano Ronaldo won a penalty & the referee gave it, but he told the referee that is not a penalty. Great mentality.”
A third posted: “Cristiano Ronaldo won a penalty but then told the referee that it wasn’t a pen. Class.”
A fourth had a different view though, writing: “Of course, I respect Ronaldo for this, but let’s be honest. If this is Ronaldo in a decisive CL game, he is bouncing the ball at the penalty spot.”
