AL-NASSR reportedly want Cristiano Ronaldo to DEFY his two-match FA ban.
That’s so he can make his debut for the Saudi Arabian side TODAY despite risking further punishment.
Ronaldo, 37, signed for Al-Nassr in a shock deal worth £173million-a-year after leaving Manchester United.
And the Middle Eastern giants were ready to unleash their star man in Thursday’s sold-out clash against rivals Al Ta’ee.
But Al-Nassr’s plans were spoiled when Fifa ordered Ronaldo to serve his two-match ban from the FA for smashing an Everton fan’s phone last season.
The suspension also means Ronaldo will miss the January 14 battle against fellow title chasers Al-Shabab.
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However, the Mail claims Al-Nassr are potentially ready to ignore the ban and hand Ronnie his debut this evening.
Club chiefs believe they might be able to get around the order after receiving Ronaldo’s international clearance certificate.
But the threat of further punishment still looms large in the mind.
A source said: “He is 85 per cent certain not to play the first match over the Everton issue.”
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Should Ronaldo miss Al-Nassr’s next two games, it means he is likely to make his debut against Ettifaq on January 21 instead.
Ronaldo received his two-game ban and was fined by the FA in November following the incident with the autistic fan at Goodison Park in April.
Ronaldo, who was walking down the tunnel, was cautioned by Merseyside Police after he shoved the young boy’s phone out of his hand after Everton had beaten United 1-0.
He later issued an apology via social media for his “outburst” and issued an invite for the supporter to be his guest for a game at Old Trafford.
He wrote: “It’s never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing.
“Nevertheless, we always have to be respectful, patient and set the example for all the youngsters who love the beautiful game.
“I would like to apologise for my outburst and, if possible, I would like to invite this supporter to watch a game at Old Trafford as a sign of fair-play and sportsmanship.”
But the 14-year-old Jake – who has autism – declined the forward’s offer and refused to accept his apology.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
