Generous Ronaldo rejects penalty call in Al-Nassr’s clash against Persepolis

In an admirable show of sportsmanship, Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo refused a penalty, informing the referee that a foul had not been committed.

The 38-year-old was in action for the Faris Najd in their AFC Champions League clash against Iranian side Persepolis.

Both sides shared the spoils at the end of the game, as it ended in a 0-0 draw. Ronaldo had the chance to give his team a crucial goal from the penalty spot, but he turned it down, opting for altruism.

The Portugal international hit the deck in the 4th minute after stretching to compete for possession of the ball in the 18-yard area, seemingly due to contact from the opposing defender.

The Chinese referee on the day, Ning Ma, also read the situation as a foul against Ronaldo and pointed to the spot for a penalty.The official was met with protest by the Persepolis players, and Ronaldo, in a show of honesty, wagged his hands at the referee to gesture that he did not go down due to contact. 

The referee did not take their word for it, however, and VAR intervened. The technology found the protestations warranted and overturned the on-field decision.

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