Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane “annoyed” by Cristiano Ronaldo’s five-game ban

Zinedine Zidane has revealed he’s upset at the five-game ban handed to Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo following Sunday’s Super Cup win over Barcelona.

Despite beginning the first-leg at the Camp Nou on the bench, the Portuguese international still managed to have an eventful 24 minutes.
In minute 80 he was booked for the removal his shirt – as well as mimicking Lionel Messi’s celebration from April’s El Clasico – after restoring the visitors’ lead with fine effort. Then on minute 82 he was heading back down the tunnel for an early shower.
Following a tangle in the box with Samuel Umtiti he was shown a second yellow card after being adjudged to have dived and then pushed referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea as he pleaded his innocence.

Those actions landed the 32-year-old in further trouble as he’s now been banned for an additional four games on top of the standard one he would have received for the two yellows and Zidane feels the punishment is excessive.
“I am annoyed. We are all annoyed and upset,” the French coach told reporters.
“I’m not going to get involved with the referees but, after what happened, to think that he’ll not play for five games, makes you think that something isn’t right. It’s too long for him.

“I hope that when the (committee) meet, they look at it thoroughly. Everyone can have their opinion but Cristiano Ronaldo is upset because he wants to play and when he doesn’t play he’s not happy.
“I hope they’ve not got something against Cristiano Ronaldo and people do their job with integrity.
“We’re upset that we are not going to have him with us for a long time. We’ll wait to see what happens.”
Los Blancos have appealed the decision, but Ronaldo is unlikely to be available for the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu tomorrow night – a game which the hosts hold a 3-1 advantage thanks to an own goal from Pique and Marco Asensio’s brilliant effort.