Portugal boss Santos explains why Cristiano Ronaldo reacted angrily to being subbed against South Korea

Cristiano Ronaldo reacted angrily to coming off during the 2-1 defeat to South Korea because of something an opponent said, Fernando Santos revealed. 

​Ronaldo subbed after 65 minutesLee Sung-Jae said something to him en routePepe got involved to diffuse situation

WHAT HAPPENED? Ronaldo and Lee Sung-Jae had a couple of words as the Portuguese talisman made way for Andre Silva 65 minutes into South Korea’s 2-1 win, a victory that saw them through to the knockout stages in second place behind Portugal. Ronaldo’s reaction left viewers confused as to why he seemed unhappy about coming off knowing his side’s place in the knockouts was secured. However, it was something Lee said that caused the reaction.

WHAT THEY SAID: Speaking soon after the defeat, Santos said: “Cristiano Ronaldo left upset because a Korean player was sending him away and Pepe even had to intervene. I heard what the Korean player was saying. If you see the images, you see Pepe going after the South Korean because of that.”

Ronaldo also gave his view on the situation, saying: “What happened was that, before my departure, the player from Korea told me to leave quickly. I told him to shut up. He has no authority, he doesn’t have to give an opinion, he would speed up the pace if he were the referee. But there doesn’t have to be controversy, things stay on the pitch.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Ronaldo has played second fiddle to Bruno Fernandes during the tournament with the Manchester United man impressing and Ronaldo not perhaps performing to the levels he’d expect from himself. He only has one goal to his name thus far – a penalty against Ghana.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO? He’ll be more than capable of putting this little incident behind him as he and Portugal prepare for a round of 16 tie that could be against any of Brazil, Switzerland, Cameroon or Serbia.

 

 

Related Post
Share
Published by

Recent Posts

India’s Junior Men Clinch Bronze with Gritty 2-1 Win Over Australia in Four Nations Tournament

The Indian junior men’s hockey team wrapped up their campaign at the Four Nations Tournament… Read More

June 26, 2025

Suryakumar Yadav Undergoes Successful Sports Hernia Surgery, Eyes Return for Bangladesh Tour

India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has successfully undergone surgery for a sports hernia in his… Read More

June 26, 2025

Golden Glove Winner Jaspreet Singh Joins Bengaluru FC in Key Summer Move

Bengaluru FC have taken a decisive step toward rebuilding their squad by signing goalkeeper Jaspreet… Read More

June 26, 2025

Ravi Shastri says opening Test loss against England is a tough pill to swallow for India

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes the opening Test loss against England is a… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron says England batters’ approach made Jasprit Bumrah desperate for wickets in 2nd innings of 1st Test

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes England batters were able to find a way… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron says Karun Nair will be disappointed with his opening Test performance against England

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes Karun Nair will be disappointed after he failed… Read More

June 26, 2025