Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo went from hero to villain in his club’s 2-0 win over Malaga, as he scored both his side's goals before being sent off.
The win trimmed Real’s gap with leaders Barcelona back to five points, but Ronaldo received a straight red for elbowing defender Patrick Mtiliga in the face.
The world's most expensive player struck twice in quick succession in the first half to put Real on their way to a 10th consecutive home win this season, but he was then handed his marching orders in the 70th minute for a blow which broke Mtiliga’s nose.
Malaga president Fernando Sanz condemned Ronaldo’s act, and said: “What he should have done is left the field apologising to his opponent rather than throwing his arms in the air and protesting.”
However Real manager Jorge Valdano claimed that Ronaldo’s intentions are always noble.
“The referee has to understand which players want to entertain and those who want to break up the spectacle,” The Sun quoted Valdano, as saying.
Earlier in December 2009, Ronaldo was sent off against Almeria after picking up two late bookings.
