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Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero has criticized Cristiano Ronaldo for throwing the captain’s armband on the ground and walking off the pitch during Portugal’s 2-2 draw with Serbia.
The 36-year-old appeared to have scored a late goal for his team in the World Cup qualifying clash when his effort appeared to cross the line before Stefan Mitrovic cleared it.
But the referees did not concede the goal and the Juventus star reacted angrily, eventually walking down the tunnel before the final whistle.
What has been said?
Del Piero understands why Ronaldo was angry about the decision, but says he was wrong to have such an extreme reaction.
“This is an overreaction, I shouldn’t act like that, that way,” said the former Italy star in ESPN.
“It’s okay to be angry, it’s okay to discuss it with the referee, but throwing away the armband and carrying on is too much for someone who is the captain of the team and represents an iconic figure like him.
“But I also understand the moment, the importance of the game and also the personal ambition that he puts into everything he does.”
What was the reaction to Ronaldo’s behavior?
Ronaldo justified his anger by claiming that “the entire nation” of Portugal was “hurt” by the decision not to concede a goal, while referee Danny Makkelie apologized to the team for the mistake.
Former Portugal defender Fernando Meira criticized Ronaldo for his conduct, saying it was “unacceptable” for a captain.
But coach Fernando Santos has denied suggestions that the attacker could be stripped of the captaincy, telling reporters that the bracelet is his “forever.”
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