Hand clenched into a fist

Ronaldo sees red and threatens violence against referee

Cristiano Ronaldo threatens to punch the referee with his fist.(Bild: APA/AFP/Fayez NURELDINE, X/LSPN_FC10)

Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off with a straight red card in the semi-final of the Saudi Super Cup and caused outrage with his reaction to the decision. With the score at 0:2, the former European champion from Portugal scuffled with an opponent on Monday evening and pushed him to the ground - resulting in a red card in the 86th minute. The Portuguese then made a gesture threatening violence towards the referee.

Video footage shows Ronaldo clenching his fist, raising it above his head and taking half a step towards the referee. The referee had already averted his eyes. Ronaldo then applauded derisively and gave several thumbs up.

His club Al-Nasr managed to equalize in stoppage time, but still lost to rivals Al-Hilal and missed out on a place in the final of the mini-tournament for the Saudi Super Cup, held in Abu Dhabi for the first time.