'Sexism' storm erupts over Ronaldo's red card
Juventus midfielder Emre Can caused further commotion following Cristiano Ronaldo’s controversial Champions League send off – bringing women into the scenario.
The 24-year-old was speaking to DAZN sports and was quoted as saying “I just found out it (the red card) was because he pulled Murillo’s hair. We’re not women, let’s play football.”
The comments immediately caused a stir on social media, with many slamming the star for the ‘sexist’ remark.
Douglas Costa spit incident, Ronaldo red card, Emre Can's sexist comment. Not a good PR week for Juventus.
— Sma5hLeafs🌟🌟 (@Metalleaf) September 20, 2018
I get what Emre can was trying to say. He isn't sexist. He didn't just pass his message well
— ola.jnr (@OVB_8) September 20, 2018
Ban Emre Can for his sexist comments. It's so disrespectful against all those fierce women playing football and even doing it better than him.
— The Godmother (@Shlerooo) September 20, 2018
#EmreCan needs to be getting more of a scathing for his remarks in defence of Cristiano #Ronaldo: 'That's not a red. We're not women. We play football.'
🤔🤔🤔
— Sam Wilson (@snhw_) September 20, 2018
Can has since apologised for his comments in response to teammate Cristiano Ronaldo being sent off in the Champions League win at Valencia.
Portuguese star Ronaldo was left in tears after receiving a red card for clashing with defender Jeison Murillo in the 29th minute of Wednesday’s game which the Italian champions eventually won 2-0.
Can issued a statement Thursday, insisting the remarks were not meant to be derogatory.
“I would like to take a moment to clear the air regarding the comments I made after last night’s game,” the German international wrote on Twitter.
“My response after seeing the video footage of Cristiano’s sending off seemed to have caused some commotion.
“I would like to state that the comments made were never focused on nor meant to degrade women, women’s football or equality in any form. Everyone who knows me knows about my respect for women, equality and respect.
“My intention was to stick up for my teammate regarding a wrong decision which could have affected our game. I sincerely apologise if any of the comments I made have caused any harm.”
Why Ronaldo burst into tears after controversial red card
A number of pundits have offered theories as to why Cristiano Ronaldo was so upset after receiving a bizarre straight red in the Champions League.
But according to Valencia coach Marcelino, it was as simple as the fact he didn’t think he did anything wrong.
Marcelino has revealed exactly what the Juventus star said to him as he left the field in tears.
The Valencia boss said a devastated Ronaldo insisted he did nothing wrong after the superstar was controversially sent off in Juventus’ 2-0 win on Thursday (AEST).
Ronaldo – making his Champions League debut for the Serie A holders – was inconsolable after receiving a red card in the 29th minute.
It was a forgettable bow for Ronaldo, who was shown a straight red card following an inconspicuous coming together with Valencia defender Jeison Murillo in an off-the-ball incident.
Discussing Ronaldo’s red card – which has put him in doubt for a reunion against former club Manchester United – Marcelino told reporters: “He was very upset, even crying, because he said he didn’t do anything wrong.
“I haven’t seen the play which ended up in the red card.”
However former Manchester United star Darren Fletcher reckons there’s a different reason for Ronaldo’s tears.
He told BBC Radio Five Live: “Just knowing how much Ronaldo cares, I’ve seen it in training.
“He gets so angry and so competitive. He is forgetting it’s a group game but he has been brought in to win Juventus the Champions League.
“Maybe he thinks it’s the semi-final.
“In reflection, he’ll be a little embarrassed by it but it shows you how much he cares and how intense he is.
“He wants to impress at his new club.
“I see it as he’s passionate for the game, at his age, he feels like he’s let down his team.”
with Agencies.