Real Madrid play maker Christiano Ronaldo is set to make his return after a five match ban was given to him for shoving referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea after he was sent off in a Super cup match against rival Barcelona.
Ronaldo’s return could not have come at a better time as Real Madrid have struggled to maintain balance since his departure. The Real Madrid forward is yet to feature in any competitive match since the commencement of the season due to the ban.
Zenedine Zidane’s side suffered unwarranted draws against Levante and Valencia. His absence was made worse as Real Madrid lost Alvaro Morata to Chelsea in the transfer windows. Teammate Vazquez described his absence from four matches as being too long.
Overtime, FIFA and other football governing bodies have come hard on players found wanting on assault of referees and other officials. In recent times, assault on match officials have been on the increase across the globe prompting stiff punishment from football governing bodies.
Earlier a footballer, Micheal Dean Leeson, was given a life ban for punching a referee. Assault on match officials is common in most lower division leagues around the world, but with the intervention of world football governing bodies, a reduction is expected.
Ronaldo hopes to be available when Real Madrid begins their Champions league title defend against Apoel.
