Culture & Sports
2018.09.21 11:51 GMT+8

UEFA open disciplinary proceedings against Cristiano Ronaldo over red card

CGTN

Cristiano Ronaldo will have to face an anxious wait to see if he could be available for his Champions League return to Old Trafford to face former club Manchester United.

The Juventus star was sent off in the 29th minute of Wednesday's 2-0 win away to Valencia after a tussle with defender Jeison Murillo, with the former Real Madrid star leaving the pitch in tears.

The Portugal captain fell to the ground in disbelief and then yelled into the air in frustration, although Juventus overcame his dismissal thanks to a pair of Miralem Pjanic penalties.

UEFA announced that they have opened a disciplinary case over Ronaldo's red card, which will be assessed on September 27.

Cristiano Ronaldo will have to wait until Thursday to discover if his ban will be increased. /VCG Photo

The red card triggers an automatic one-game ban, ruling Ronaldo out of the home match against Young Boys, and he will find out next week whether his ban is extended.

A further match could see Ronaldo miss the trip to Old Trafford on October 23, while a three-game ban would also keep him out of the return against United in Turin on November 7. 

According to the Guardian, Ronaldo is set to receive only a one-match ban for his red card. While the Sun claimed that Juventus are confident that the video evidence confirms the red card decision was flawed and that Ronaldo will only serve the mandatory minimum ban.

Juventus' Emre Can says he has no intention to "degrade women."./VCG Photo

Emre Can sorry for outburst

Juventus team-mate Emre Can was furious with referee Brych for showing Ronaldo the red card.

Speaking to DAZN sports streaming network, the 24-year-old midfielder was quoted as saying: "I just found out it (the red card) was because he pulled Murillo's hair. We're not women, let's play football."

However, after a backlash against his outburst, Can issued a statement on Thursday night, insisting the remarks were not meant to be derogatory.

"I would like to take a moment to clear the air regarding the comments I made after last night's game. My response after seeing the video footage of Cristiano's sending off seemed to have caused some commotion," the German international wrote on Twitter.

"I would like to state that the comments made were never focused on nor meant to degrade women, women's football or equality in any form. Everyone who knows me knows about my respect for women, equality and respect.

"My intention was to stick up for my teammate regarding a wrong decision which could have affected our game. I sincerely apologise if any of the comments I made have caused any harm."

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