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Fans fume over 'cringeworthy' Cristiano Ronaldo celebration

Cristiano Ronaldo’s first Champions League goal for Juventus was an absolute stunner – but the way he celebrated it has come under fire.

Tied with Manchester United in the second half of Wednesday’s Champions League match, Ronaldo scored an incredible volley to give Juve a 1-0 lead in Turin.

But given United was the club where Ronaldo made a name for himself as a promising 18-year-old, some fans were disappointed by his antics.

Juventus’ Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo shows his six-pack as he celebrates after opening the scoring during the UEFA Champions League group H football match Juventus vs Manchester United at the Allianz stadium in Turin on November 7, 2018. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo credit should read MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP/Getty Images)
Juventus’ Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo shows his six-pack as he celebrates after opening the scoring during the UEFA Champions League group H football match Juventus vs Manchester United at the Allianz stadium in Turin on November 7, 2018. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo credit should read MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP/Getty Images)

Ronaldo preceded to run to the corner flag before lifting his shirt and flaunting his six-pack to the crowd – much to the dismay of many football fans, with Manchester United supporters hit the hardest:

The forward was played in by Leonardo Bonucci, and Ronaldo struck the ball first time out of the air, leaving David de Gea with no chance as Juventus surged in front following a tepid first half.

It wouldn’t be enough for the hosts to secure victory, though, as Juventus were eventually pegged back on a goal from Juan Mata in the 86th minute that levelled the score, before an own goal from Alex Sandro in the 90th minute gave Manchester United an unlikely 2-1 away win.

Ronaldo was playing in his third Champions League match for the club after previously appearing against Valencia in Spain and against Manchester United in a return to Old Trafford.

What a goal and what a celebration. Image: Getty
What a goal and what a celebration. Image: Getty

The goal ended a drought for the former Real Madrid star, who hadn’t scored on any of his last 20 Champions League shots over a span of 453 total minutes.

The goal was Ronaldo’s eighth in 14 matches with Juventus, while the forward has also contributed six assists to start his career with the Serie A club.

With the loss on Wednesday, Juventus sit on nine points through four matches while the win pushes Manchester United to second in the group with seven points.

Manchester City star awarded ‘worst penalty ever’

Manchester City’s Champions League fixture against minnows Shakhtar Donetsk was expected to be a one-sided affair.

But nothing could have prepared football fans for Manchester City being on the receiving end of perhaps one of the worst penalty decisions ever seen.

Raheem Sterling was gifted a penalty after blatantly kicking the turf as he prepared for a shot, sending him flailing to the pitch.

“Oh that’s shocking, he kicks the floor,” said the commentators.

Raheem Sterling kicked the turf then hit the deck in the penalty area. Pic: Optus Sport
Raheem Sterling kicked the turf then hit the deck in the penalty area. Pic: Optus Sport

“He kicks the floor, that’s remarkable.

“That is one of the worst penalty decisions you will ever see.”

The pacey English attacker was quickly awarded a penalty for his embarrassing attempt at a shot, despite defender Mykola Matyvenko not even being close enough to make contact.

Shakhtar Donetsk players looked on in disbelief as the referee pointed to the penalty spot, and after replays showed the obvious, they reacted.

“You know you can tell by players reactions,” the commentators continued.

Raheem Sterling of Manchester City trips over for a penalty during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between Manchester City and FC Shakhtar Donetsk at Etihad Stadium on November 7, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Raheem Sterling of Manchester City trips over for a penalty during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between Manchester City and FC Shakhtar Donetsk at Etihad Stadium on November 7, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images)

“Well I thought ‘there’s not been any contact, he didn’t look close enough to make any contact’.

“It’s given Gabriel Jesus the chance, controversially, to make it 2-0 to City.”

While many called for a review of the decision, the Champions League is yet to introduce a video assistant referee (VAR) system into its competition.

It’s fair to say, social media went wild:

https://twitter.com/AppahLemmy/status/1060275250766774280

Sterling made amends to some extent early in the second half, scoring an incredible solo goal for Manchester City to make it 3-0.

“Magnificent from Raheem Sterling, he can maybe put the controversy behind him now because that is what he’s best at,” the commentators said.

Manchester City went on to dominate the match, running out as 6-0 victors.

with Agencies.