This archive report was first published on 13 November 2019.
Published on November 13, 2019, Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo has found himself in hot water after storming off the pitch during a match against AC Milan.
According to reports, Ronaldo was substituted in the 55th minute of the 1-0 victory and walked straight down the tunnel, leaving the Allianz Stadium before the final whistle.
Speaking post-match, Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri explained Ronaldo's anger, stating, “He was upset because he’s not in good shape. He has a small injury to his knee.”
However, despite Sarri's attempt to downplay the incident, Juventus' sporting director Fabio Paratici and vice-president Pavel Nedved are reportedly set to meet with Ronaldo after the international break to discuss his behavior.
The meeting is expected to be a discreet affair, with the club looking to avoid a long-running controversy. Ronaldo will reportedly be warned over his behavior, but not fined.
On Monday, Ronaldo took to social media with a brief message, writing, “Tough game, important win,” and accompanying the post with the hashtag #finoallfine, the Juventus club motto.
However, the dressing room is still waiting for an apology from Ronaldo, who has now joined up with the Portugal squad.
Italian national-team coach Roberto Mancini weighed in on the controversy, stating, “The players have to respect the coach and their team-mates, whether they’re youngsters or veterans. Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, you can behave badly. That can happen, and he’ll be the first to know that he’s got it wrong. He’ll say sorry.”
Former Italy player Antonio Cassano noted that leaving the stadium early can get players into trouble with anti-doping authorities, while ex-Juve boss Fabio Capello had harsher words for Ronaldo, stating, “The fact that he didn’t sit on the bench and said bad words to Sarri is not a pretty picture.”
