adminCRISTIANO RONALDO has had his yellow card at Rayo Vallecano rescinded, meaning he will not now serve a one-game ban. The current Fifa Ballon d’Or holder was booked for simulation after a strong tackle from Antonio Amaya in the penalty area during Wednesday’s 2-0 victory at Vallecas.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti hit out at what he described as an “unbelievable” decision, which resulted in Ronaldo’s fifth yellow of the season, prompting a suspension.
The club backed up Ancelotti by launching an appeal on Thursday, which has been upheld by the Competition Committee.
Ronaldo is likely to start in tonight’s game at the Santiago Bernabeu —especially as James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos are serving their own suspensions — as Ancelotti’s men look to keep pace with Liga leaders Barcelona. Madrid go in to the round-31 fixture four points behind their Catalunya rivals.
The former Manchester United forward will also be seeking a 301st goal in Madrid colours after reaching another landmark by scoring the opener against Rayo.
A Madrid statement read: “The RFEF (Spanish Football Federation) Competition Committee has upheld the appeal submitted by Real Madrid against the yellow card shown to Cristiano Ronaldo in the match against Rayo Vallecano, agreeing to ‘rescind the caution imposed on the player by the referee’.
“The forward will therefore be eligible to play in the La Liga matchday 31 game against Éibar.” — Goal
Bongani Moyo
Online Reporter