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Cristiano Ronaldo Hit With Lighter Could Result In Fine For Atletico

By Patricia Didelot
Published on: 03:31 PST, Feb 12, 2014

Atletico de Madrid could be fined after a fan threw a cigarette lighter that hit Cristiano Ronaldo on the head, as he was walking on the field during the Copa del Rey semifinals on Tuesday at the Estadio Vicente Calderon.

In what could have been a serious incident, the video that is making its rounds online clearly shows how the Real Madrid striker is walking and talking to teammates Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso during the break and suddenly he bends over after an object hits his head.

The incident was recorded in the official match report from ref Alberto Undiano Mallenco and was submitted to the RFEF after the game.

Tournament regulations indicate that if the incident is ruled serious enough, the Atletico de Madrid club could face a €30,000 (approximately $40,000) fine and have its grounds closed off between one and three games.

The Real Madrid website is not making a big deal out of the epirsode, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammates had some thoughts they shared following their 2-0 victory over Atletico.

Team captain — goalie Iker Casillas — said:

“There is always someone that tries to smear the image of a club like Atletico Madrid. It does not reflect how the majority of their fans are. (But) I think the consequences could be serious because it could have hurt a player.”

Similarly, Sergio Ramos thinks that if the fan who threw the lighter that hit Cristiano Ronaldo can be identified, he or she is the one who should face the punishment, not the club.

Atletico director Clemente Villaverde tried to downplay the incident when asked about a potential fine:

“It is an isolated incident, nothing else fell (from the stands),” Villaverde said. “The player was not injured. A lighter would not normally cause much damage. I am delighted that Cristiano has no problems.”

A few minutes earlier, Cristiano Ronaldo was involved in a frightening play when he collided — unintentionally — with Atletico’s Javier Manquillo on a disputed aerial ball.

Manquillo fell on his neck in an image that made viewers cringe, fortunately he didn’t suffer serious injury, but was taken to the hospital for evaluation.

Cristiano Ronaldo showed great concern for the young player and Manquillo’s mother said that CR7 phoned her son twice to make sure he was alright.

Real Madrid becomes the first team in history to reach the Copa del Rey final without conceding a single goal and they have now played in more finals than any other team.

Cristiano Ronaldo could face his nemesis, Lionel Messi and Barcelona in the April 19 final, which could make for one exciting match.

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