Cristiano Ronaldo according to reports looks likely to feature against former side Manchester United at Old Trafford on October 23rd despite picking up a straight red during Juve’s 2-0 victory Valencia.
The former Manchester United forward was sent-off in the first interval of his return to Spain at the Mestalla after he attempted to pick up defender Jeison Murillo by his hair inside the Valencia box.
It was initially thought that the incident, deemed violent conduct by the referee, would rule the Portuguese playmaker out of the two-legged fixtures against Manchester United.
However, according to the Times’ pundit Paul Hirst, Ronaldo is unlikely to face further punishment beyond the automatic one game ban incurred as a result of the red card, and will be available for the game against Manchester United.
UEFA has the power to extend the Ronaldo’s ban if the perceive his conduct to be violent. The incident in question, however, shows any evil intention from the Portuguese playmaker. At worse, he was just being overly invasive and a bit annoyed.
Ronaldo missing out on playing Manchester United would have been great news for Smalling and the Red Devil’s defense, for the supporters and the global stage, this is an occasion not miss. Old Trafford will no doubt hand him a warm welcome.