Video: Cristiano Ronaldo demands referee replacement, with fans saying "he owns the league"
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Cristiano Ronaldo asks for referee substitution || Credit: SSC EXTRA 1 and Getty image

Video: Cristiano Ronaldo demands referee replacement, with fans saying "he owns the league"

Stephen Oladehinde 14:11 - 01.11.2023

Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo was so upset with the referee that he wanted to be replaced during their King Cup clash.

Ronaldo's Al-Nassr team faced Al-Ettifaq in the King Cup of Champions Round of 16 at the KSU Stadium.

Al-Nassr needed to get past their rival Al-Ettifaq in the Round of 16 to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

The game ended in a full-time draw but was later settled in extra time with Sadio Mane’s goal securing the win for Al Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Al-Nassr X/Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Al-Nassr X/Al-Nassr

Ronaldo gesture and fans reaction

In a thrilling match between the two Saudi Pro League teams, there were escalating emotions during stoppage time in the first half.

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According to reports from the Sun, Al-Nassr midfielder Talisca scored a goal, but it was ruled out by VAR.

The VAR decision was based on the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo was offside and had impeded play.

Ronaldo asking for a referee substitution || Credit: SSC EXTRA 1
Ronaldo asking for a referee substitution || Credit: SSC EXTRA 1

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was so incensed by that decision that he pointed at the referee and signalled for a substitution, demanding the match official be replaced.

The unexpected response from the Manchester United legend surprised fans, who went to social media.

One supporter tweeted, "He owns the league."

Another posted, "His league."

A third wrote, "This is unbelievable."

This fan said, "My goat is always right."

And that one stated, "GOAT."

After 90 minutes without a goal, the game moved into extra time. Three minutes before extra time ended, Sadio Mane scored the game's winning goal, which sent Al-Nassr through to victory.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo received a hostile reception from the Ettifaq fans, with the crowd consistently chanting Messi’s name to taunt the Portugal international.