UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Cristiano Ronaldo following his red card in Juventus’ Champions League victory over Valencia on Wednesday.
The Juve superstar was controversially dismissed just 29 minutes into his first outing for the Serie A champions in the competition after tangling with Jeison Murillo. Ronaldo was shown a straight red card after appearing to raise his hand to Murillo, the defender tumbling to the ground and reacting to the Portugal international pulling at his hair.
Having consulted with his assistants, referee Felix Brych sent Ronaldo off and the forward left the Mestalla pitch in tears. The red card incurs a one-game suspension for the 33-year-old and he could face further punishment, potentially missing a return to Manchester United when Juve visit Old Trafford for the third Group H game on October 23.
Ronaldo’s case will be heard by UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on September 27.
Emre Can reacted with stunned amazement after seeing a replay of Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card against Valencia and risked a huge backlash in the process.
Juventus’ opening Champions League match of the season was locked scoreless midway through the first half when the five-time Ballon d’Or winner clashed with Jeison Murillo off the ball at the edge of the home side’s penalty box .
“That’s supposed to be a red!?” he exclaimed when shown footage of the action by DAZN .
“I just heard that he said it was because of hair pulling. We’re not women, we’re playing football.
“If you’re giving that as a red card, you can be sent off for any foul. One hundred per cent, that is not a red card.”