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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<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><ul><li>Ronaldo left frustrated in 2-1 defeat against Al-Hilal</li><li>Was shown a straight red for violent conduct</li><li>Castro defended his star man after the match</li></ul>

Al-Nassr boss claims Cristiano Ronaldo's shocking red card vs Al-Hilal was 'incorrect' despite seeing star man elbow Ali Al-Bulaihi and raise his fist to referee

King Cup

Al Hilal

Al Ittihad

Saudi Pro League

Al Nassr FC

Al Akhdoud

Ronaldo had a frustrating evening against <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/al-nassr-al-hilal-cristiano-ronaldo-saudi-super-cup/blt21a7256d0dd42394#cs1b033e9c05f71711" target="_blank">Al-Hilal during his side's 2-1 defeat</a> in the semi-final of the Saudi Super Cup as he was first cautioned for vehement protests against the match official and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/video-cristiano-ronaldo-rages-referee-al-nassr-goal-disallowed-offside/blt7b679f9f2d3e0d8c#cs1311c5f4fb9aa49d" target="_blank">later given marching orders for violent conduct </a>towards defender Al-Bulayhi. However, Al-Nassr manager Castro came out in passionate defence of Ronaldo and instead accused the Al-Hilal player of acting to get him sent off.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Speaking to reporters after the match, Castro said: "The decision was incorrect. The Al Hilal defender pretended that he was hit in the face, and it was a play on his part, and the contact was small, and they took advantage of Ronaldo’s provocation. The VAR referee was supposed to call the main referee, and this is my personal opinion."

WHAT DID CASTRO SAY

Ronaldo's frustration was palpable as Al-Hilal have turned out to be a bogey team for Al-Nassr this campaign. They were beaten two times in the Saudi Pro League and the latest defeat saw them get knocked out of the Saudi Super Cup. However, Al-Nassr did get the better of Jorge Jesus' side in the final of the Arab Club Champions Cup, with Ronaldo scoring a brace.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Al-Hilal sealed their spot in the final and will face Al-Ittihad, who beat Al-Wehda 2-1 in the other semi-final, on April 11 at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Al-Nassr and Ronaldo, meanwhile, will go into a mini-break before returning to action on April 19 against Al-Feiha in the domestic league.

WHAT NEXT? 

Al-Nassr boss claims Cristiano Ronaldo's shocking red card vs Al-Hilal was 'incorrect' despite seeing star man elbow Ali Al-Bulaihi and raise his fist to referee | Goal.com Kenya

Al-Nassr boss Luis Castro believes Cristiano Ronaldo was &quot;incorrectly&quot; sent off against Al-Hilal despite elbowing Ali Al-Bulayhi and raising a fist to the referee.

Al-Nassr boss claims Cristiano Ronaldo&apos;s shocking red card vs Al-Hilal was &apos;incorrect&apos; despite seeing star man elbow Ali Al-Bulaihi and raise his fist to referee