CRISTIANO RONALDO was booked for a “WWE headlock” take-down – as he was sunk by another former Manchester United striker.
Ronaldo grappled an opponent to the ground as Al-Nassr slumped 2-0 in the Saudi Pro League, thanks to Odion Ighalo‘s penalty double for Al-Hilal.
AFPCristiano Ronaldo gets a talking-to by Prem ref Michael Oliver as Al-Nassr slumped 2-0 at Al-Hilal in the Saudi top-flight[/caption]
Ronaldo shows his frustration during what could be a costly defeatAFP
But fans were almost as stunned to spot a familiar looking referee as they were by legend Ron’s bizarre antics.
Observers noted Premier League official Michael Oliver out in the middle, including ticking off the 33-year-old ex-Real Madrid attacker.
Englishman Oliver, 38, has been reffing in the Prem since 2010.
Ronaldo, though, will be more concerned by his rare failure to score and the major blow to Al-Nassr’s title hopes.
They now trail Al-Ittihad, who have a game in hand, by three points.
Fans were puzzled by the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s yellow card.
One posted: “What’s up Cristiano Ronaldo?”
Another taunted him by referencing his famous goal celebration: “Siiiiii” – following by two crying-with-laughter emojis.
Meanwhile, Ighalo struck from the spot on 42 and 62 minutes to keep Al-Hilal’s own slim hopes of winning the league alive.
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
The Nigerian, 33, was on loan at Old Trafford from Shanghai Shenhua in 2020-21, the season before Ron returned to United.
Since then he’s been in Saudi Arabia – first with Al-Shabab, now with Al-Hilal in Riyadh.