The ref who handed out the red card to Cristiano Ronaldo during Real Madrid’s match against Athletic Bilbao has received a suspension of his own; he will be out for a whole month.
The controversial call had many questioning if the Ballon d’Or winner’s actions warranted such a harsh measure, especially in light of videos reviewing the incident which show the Bilbao player was trying to instigate.
It wouldn’t be the first time, nor the last, that opposing teams try to provoke the hot-blooded Portuguese star into committing a foul for which he could be ejected.
In the case of Cristiano Ronaldo’s altercation with Bilbao players Carlos Gurpegui and Ander Iturraspe, the ref clearly overreacted and slapped the Real striker with the red card.
Spanish radio station Cadena Cope reports that Spain’s refereeing technical committee has suspended Miguel Ángel Ayza Gámez for a month in the wake of his performance in the match.
Additionally, Ayza Gámez will not be called to any further Real Madrid matches this season and is in danger of being relegated from the list of La Liga match officials.
Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t only kicked out of the remainder of the Bilbao game for the red card, but was further suspended from playing two games because of the dismissive gesture he made while exiting the field.
#NEWS The referee who sent off Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned for 1 month & cannot ref Madrid again this season. pic.twitter.com/W2y7srz7nO
— BT Sports Panel (@BTSP) February 7, 2014
Ouch! @Cristiano got handed a three match ban as a birthday present from the Spanish Football Federation. More Here: http://t.co/K2K472K5t9
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTSUSA) February 5, 2014
If Real Madrid Team Manager Carlo Ancelotti had any hopes that his star player’s suspension would be lifted, he was in for a disappointment as it didn’t make any difference in the team’s quest to reinstate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Luka Modric: “Cristiano Ronaldo’s ban is not fair. It’s not the same playing without him.” #halamadrid pic.twitter.com/9spgnU2Cqp
— WeAreMadrid10 (@WeAreMadrid10) February 6, 2014
The Spanish football association (RFEF) ruled on Friday that due to the insulting gesture by Ronaldo, the three-game suspension stands.
As a result, the striker will miss this Saturday’s home game against Villarreal, as well as the match against Getafe (February 16), and Elche (February 23).
Cristiano Ronaldo has been on fire for Real Madrid and is the scoring leader with 22 goals in 21 matches. Last month he was named the best player in the world when he was awarded the Ballon d’Or by FIFA .
