Cristiano Ronaldo is 'not used to losing games' and lacks 'mental focus' during defeats, claims Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus after Man United legend saw red during Al-Nassr's Saudi Super Cup exit
- Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off against Al-Hilal for appearing to elbow a player
- Al-Hilal boss Jesus explained his conduct by saying he was 'not used to losing'
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Cristiano Ronaldo is 'not used to losing' and lacks 'mental focus' during defeats, Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus claimed, after the Al-Nassr star was sent off during the Saudi Super Cup semi-final.
The Man United legend saw red for raising his first towards the referee after appearing to elbow an opponent and stamp on him.
Al-Nassr went on to lose the semi-final 2-1, but Ronaldo lost his head in the 86th minute following an altercation with Al-Hilal's Ali Al-Bulaihi - who had tried to prevent the veteran forward from taking a quick throw.
Footage then appeared to show Ronaldo throwing an elbow in the direction of the Al-Hilal defender, sending him crashing to the floor.
Another clip then appeared to show Ronaldo stamping on an already downed Al-Bulaihi – but the advertising boards obstructed the view, making it unclear whether Ronaldo made contact with the player.
Cristiano Ronaldo saw red for a moment of madness that saw him appear to elbow a player during Al-Nassr's defeat to Al-Hilal
Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus explained the incident by saying Ronaldo was 'not used to losing'
After a brawl between the two sides, Mohammed Al-Hoaish brandished a red card.
Attempting to explain Ronaldo's behaviour, Ronaldo's fellow Portuguese countryman Jesus hailed the five-time Ballon d'Or winner but said he lacks 'mental focus' when he loses games because he isn't used to it.
'Ronaldo is one of the most important players in the world and an example for many,' he told the press after the game.
'But he's not used to losing in his career, so it is natural for him to lose his head when he loses, as well as for him to lose emotional and mental focus in defeats.'
He added: 'It's not easy to play against [Al Hilal's Kalidou] Koulibaly and Al-Bulayhi, they are the best central defenders in Saudi football.
'I'm not going to take credit away from Ronaldo, he's still very strong, he always has been and will continue to be the most important player in the world, he's an example and a model.'
Jesus said the veteran forward lacked 'mental focus' when he loses games in his career
Ronaldo was incensed after the decision and appeared to say fans were witnessing a 'robbery'
After his red card, Ronaldo motioned as if he wanted to throw a punch – or perhaps punch the ball he was holding – in the referee's direction before withdrawing the action.
Having already landed himself in very hot water, Ronaldo then sarcastically patted one match official on the shoulder after being shown the straight red.
As he was leaving the pitch, Ronaldo appeared to tell the crowd 'all of you are witnessing this robbery'.
Al-Nassr coach Luis Castro had insisted Ronaldo didn't deserve to be sent off.
He said: 'We've seen several clips throughout this season where Ronaldo was provoked and, after seeing some footage, Ronaldo didn't do anything that merited sending off. The rival player [Al-Bulayhi] pretended [to have been hit.]
'There was little contact between Cristiano and the rival defender. He caused a scene and the VAR should have called the referee to review the episode of the sending off.'
