Cristiano Ronaldo avoids red card after kicking former Manchester United teammate in the head

Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes got the winner on the night but two of his former teammates collided.

Cristiano Ronaldo may be lucky he wasn’t sent off last night after kicking his former Manchester United team-mate Martin Dubravka in the head.

Ronaldo is currently on international duty with Portugal as they look to continue their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. Roberto Martinez’s side started strongly and beat Slovakia 1-0 thanks to a goal by Bruno Fernandes.

Manchester United’s current captain produced a brilliant finish just before half-time, collecting the ball on the right flank before a mad dash past the Slovak defenders. It was his second goal of the season after the penalty sealed victory for the Red Devils against Nottingham Forest.

But to find a goal for himself, Ronaldo should have received a straight red card if he tackled the loose ball and used a pin to hit Dubravka in the head. It may have been unintentional, but the Slovakian goalkeeper writhed in pain.

Ronaldo protested his innocence and apologized to the Slovakia international, who spent several months at United with Ronaldo last season. He eventually received a yellow card from the referee.

VAR examined the incident for a possible red card, but the 38-year-old escaped further punishment when it was reported that his foot slipped off Dubravka’s chest and landed directly on his face. The video assistant decided not to make any modifications.

Ronaldo remained on the field for 90 minutes as his team fought hard to keep a clean sheet and bounce back with a 1-0 victory.Portugal maintained a 100% record in the group stage, gaining 15 points after 5 matches.

Martinez’s side host Luxembourg in their second game of the international break on Monday evening.

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