Cristiano Ronaldo has been one of the most disciplined players on the pitch, but even legends have their moments. Over his career, he has received a handful of suspensions. The most notable is a 5-match ban from La Liga in 2017 for pushing a referee. However, he has also faced shorter bans for red cards and gestures. This article breaks down each major suspension, what led to it, and how it affected his teams.
The 5-Match Ban for Pushing a Referee (2017)
What Happened
During the 2017 Spanish Super Cup first leg against Barcelona, Ronaldo received a second yellow card for diving. Frustrated, he lightly pushed the referee, Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea. The ref reported the push in his match notes, which triggered a harsh penalty.
Official Suspension Details
The Spanish Competition Committee initially banned Ronaldo for 4 matches: 1 for the red card and 3 for the push. An appeal failed, and the ban was extended to 5 matches after a review. He also had to pay a fine. This meant he missed the second leg of the Super Cup and four La Liga games.
Impact on Ronaldo and Real Madrid
Real Madrid struggled without their star. They lost the Super Cup to Barcelona and dropped points in the league. Ronaldo apologized and returned with renewed focus, but the ban highlighted how crucial he was to the team.
Other Suspensions in Ronaldo's Career
2018 UEFA Champions League Red Card (1 Match)
In a group stage match against Valencia, Ronaldo was sent off for pulling the hair of Jeison Murillo. UEFA suspended him for 1 match for violent conduct. He served the ban against Young Boys. There was no additional penalty, but the incident sparked debate about intent.
2023 Gesture Controversy (1 Match)
After a Saudi League match, Ronaldo made a gesture that was deemed provocative by the league. The Saudi Football Federation suspended him for 1 match without pay. He sat out the next game and apologized publicly.
Other Minor Bans
- 2015 vs. Córdoba: Ronaldo was sent off for a kick and got a 1-match ban.
- Saudi Arabia 2024: A red card for an elbow earned a 1-match suspension.
- National team: No major suspensions, but yellow card accumulation can lead to missed games in tournaments.
How Do These Suspensions Compare to Other Players?
Ronaldo's discipline record is actually above average for forwards. Players like Neymar or Luis Suárez have received longer bans. His 5-match ban is the longest of his career, but it's mild compared to some 10-match penalties in other leagues. Ronaldo learned from the 2017 incident and has avoided similar behavior since.
Practical Takeaways for Fans and Players
- Know the rules: Pushing a referee almost always results in a multi-game ban in any league.
- Emotions on the pitch: Even top players can lose composure. Ronaldo's 2017 ban serves as a reminder to keep cool.
- For fantasy football: If Ronaldo is playing in a league with strict rules, factor in possible suspensions.
- For young players: Learn from his mistakes – a split-second reaction can cost you and your team.
The Bottom Line
Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for a total of 8 matches across his club career: 5 in 2017, 1 in 2018, 1 in 2023, and 1 in 2015. The 5-match ban is the one most fans remember. He has never been suspended for doping or off-field misconduct. His discipline record is good for a player of his intensity. If you are researching his suspensions for a debate or simply to understand his career, these numbers give you the full picture.