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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><ul><li>Ronald handed two-match ban for red card</li><li>Missed game against Al-Feiha</li><li>But has now returned to starting XI</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Explained: How Cristiano Ronaldo is playing for Al-Nassr despite only serving one game of two-match ban for vicious elbow

Saudi Pro League

Al Khaleej

Al-Wehda

Al Nassr FC

Al Hilal

<p>Ronaldo was <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/cristiano-ronaldo-ban-fine-disgraceful-behaviour-al-hilal-match-referee-al-nassr-excessive-force-red-card-elbow/blte9c546c7b9d60ed2" target="_blank">hit with a two-match ban</a> after being <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/video-cristiano-ronaldo-rages-referee-al-nassr-goal-disallowed-offside/blt7b679f9f2d3e0d8c" target="_blank">sent off for a vicious elbow against Al-Hilal</a>. The Portuguese superstar was forced onto the sidelines last time out as Al-Nassr beat Al-Feiha 3-1. However, he is back in the starting XI for Saturday's Saudi Pro League game against Al-Khaleej.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🗒 || Starting lineup,<a href="https://twitter.com/AlNassrFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlNassrFC</a> vs <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Alkhaleej?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Alkhaleej</a> <a href="https://t.co/3eVKMCRL9l">pic.twitter.com/3eVKMCRL9l</a></p>— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlNassrFC_EN/status/1784265543010099569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Ronaldo has been able to return to action ahead of schedule after Al-Nassr won an appeal against his two-match ban. The Saudi side were able to reduce his suspension to just one game, according to Saudi Arabian soccer journalist, Aymen Al Tamimi. </p><p></p>

THE EXPLANATION

<p>Aymen Al Tamimi posted on X: "Legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s participation was confirmed on Saturday. Whoever is still waiting for any decision in his mind, let him continue to wait and dream. The legend’s statement to the committee was regular, legal and evidence-based. The situation was witnessed by everyone and does not amount to any punishment."</p>

WHAT HAS BEEN SAID SAID

<p>Ronaldo's return will be a boost as he remains vital to Al-Nassr and has been in superb form recently. The Portugal international was even handed the Saudi Pro League Player of the Month award before kick-off.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Once more 🐐<br>Here’s your player of the month 💛 <a href="https://t.co/kA98DfrRCQ">pic.twitter.com/kA98DfrRCQ</a></p>— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlNassrFC_EN/status/1784274044910522541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO

Explained: How Cristiano Ronaldo is playing for Al-Nassr despite only serving one game of two-match ban for vicious elbow | Goal.com US

Cristiano Ronaldo starts for Al-Nassr against Al-Khaleej despite only serving one match of a two-game ban.

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