FANS have joked Cristiano Ronaldo gave away a penalty for handball in Portugal’s 4-0 win against Czech Republic to “protect his nose” following his sickening collision.
The Manchester United striker was left a bloody mess after being clattered by goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik during the Nations League clash on Saturday.
Ronaldo went up to challenge for the ball in the 12th minute at the Sinobo Stadium in Prague as Vaclik went to claim it.
It resulted in Vaclik’s arms smashing into the 37-year-old’s face, which left him sprawled across the floor as medics rushed to his aid.
He was eventually able to return to the pitch after Portugal’s physios managed to stem the flow of blood.
With Portugal leading 2-0, Ronaldo then gifted Czech Republic the perfect chance to get back into the match after he conceded a penalty for a handball when he looked as though he was going to head it clear.
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But Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick blazed his spot-kick high over the bar in first half added time.
His miss proved costly as Portugal scored twice in the second period to go top of Group A2.
Social media was quick to comment on Ronaldo’s handball, as they stated he was simply protecting himself from any further facial injuries.
One Twitter user said: “Honestly can’t blame Ronaldo for that handball. Man was just protecting his nose.”
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Another commented: “Ronaldo was just protecting his busted nose.”
A third added: “They think a man playing after this would head the ball clear instead of protecting his nose as a reflex action.”
This fan then quipped: “Its not a pen. He’s protecting his Nose.”
Meanwhile this user messaged: “Understandable handball from Ronaldo, he was protecting his face.”
Another stated: “I get Ronaldo’s thinking cuz (sic) of the injury but that’s handball.”
Red Devils forward Ronaldo has struggled for form this season, having scored just once in eight games in all competitions for United.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
