Cristiano Ronaldo: Juventus star red carded in Champions League

Cristiano Ronaldo shown a straight red card after tangling with opponent during his first Champions League match for Juventus.

Juventus' Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) reacts after receiving a red card during the UEFA Champions League Group H football match against Valencia. Photo: AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off in his first Champions League match for Juventus, leaving the Portugal star in tears as he walked off the pitch.

Ronaldo was dismissed in the 29th minute of Juve’s 2-0 win at Valencia earlier this morning (AEST) after tangling with Jeison Murillo.

After Murillo went down inside the area, the Portugal forward gestured for his opponent to get up, then put his hand on the Valencia defender’s head and appeared to tug his hair. Referee Felix Brych showed Ronaldo a straight red card after discussing with his assistant behind the goal.

Ronaldo in disbelief after his red card. Photo: AP

Ronaldo looked baffled and kept professing his innocence, sitting down on the pitch in disbelief. The five-time world player of the year was clearly distraught as he left the pitch, still shaking his head. It was his first red card in 154 Champions League games, and the decision means he could miss a return to Old Trafford when Juventus plays Manchester United next month if he gets at least a two-match ban.

Juventus hosts Young Boys next in the competition before two straight games against United, with the first match in England on Oct. 23. The Italian club could appeal the red card decision.

Baffled … Cristiano Ronaldo pleads with the referee after being sent off. Photo: AP

The 33-year-old Ronaldo joined Juventus from Real Madrid in the off-season and scored his first two goals for the Italian club this past weekend in a 2-1 win over Sassuolo in Serie A.

Ronaldo is the Champions League all-time leading scorer with 120 goals and led Madrid to the title the last three years in a row.

AP