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Cruising for a bruising - Ronaldo tricks sure to end in tears, warns Boateng
Last updated at 09:22am on 22.03.07
Penalty prize: Ronaldo is challenged by Woodgate
Cristiano Ronaldo was on Tuesday night warned that he risks being seriously hurt by an angry opponent unless the Manchester United winger stops "taking the mickey" out of rival players.
Ronaldo was the victim of a scything foul by the frustrated James Morrison, who was sent off near the end of United's ill-tempered FA Cup quarter-final replay win over Middlesbrough at Old Trafford on Monday night.
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Boro captain George Boateng said: "A lot of players want to do what Morrison did. Why didn't Ronaldo do his tricks when it was 0-0 and people were fighting to get a goal? It annoys people."
As the debate over Ronaldo's alleged diving was rekindled by United's disputed penalty winner, Boateng added: "People have pride. No one likes to have the mickey taken out of them and if you're going to do that, one day someone will hurt him properly and he'll be out for a long time.
"We know he can do his tricks, but don't do it when you're winning 1-0 and there's only two minutes to go.
"When you're playing Sunday football with your mates it's great, but not at top level."
The Middlesbrough bench were incensed at referee Mike Dean's decision to award the penalty, but it is not the first time in his young career that Ronaldo, 22, has been accused of conning officials.
When the clubs met at the Riverside in December, Boro boss Gareth Southgate suggested Ronaldo had tricked the referee into awarding a first-half penalty.
He said at the time of the 2-1 defeat: "How many times are we going to see it? The lad's got a history of doing it."
Tottenham manager Martin Jol was similarly unimpressed with Ronaldo when the two clubs met at White Hart Lane in February. Mark Clattenburg awarded United a contentious penalty during their 4-0 win over Spurs.
Jol said: "There was no contact, so I think it's fair to say Ronaldo made the most of the situation."
Marching orders: Middlesbrough's James Morrison earns himself a red card on Monday night by bringing down United's Ronaldo
Woodgate, who watched Ronaldo convert the spot-kick, said: "I don't think he dived, so you can't put the blame on him.
"I don't know if it was a penalty or not, but Ronaldo is a very clever player. There is a touch of genius in him and he lights up the Premiership."
Boateng agrees that Ronaldo is gifted but rejected a claim by the Portuguese winger after the match that he is booed because of his skill.
Boateng said: "Fans in England are respectful. If you are very good, or too good, nobody would boo you."
Sir Alex Ferguson has leapt to Ronaldo's defence over the accusations which he claims have attached an unjust "stigma" to his winger.
The Manchester United boss knows that fuelling the controversy around Ronaldo will not work in the club's favour when the likes of Real Madrid come courting and offer to take him away.
Reader views (5)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
It's nice to see England fans stepping in and noting that idiots like Boateng do not speak for the entire world of footy. He is the most fouled player in the premiership and continues to play stellar football and quietly go about his business.
As a reminder, English is not his first language either, so I would take whatever interview comments he makes with a grain of salt - he's trying to mentally move from Portuguese to English, under much pressure by the press and does not likely get it 'right' every time.
- Caldas17, NY, USA
I'm not even a Man U fan but have to acknowledge that Ronaldo has quite an immense talent. I just love watching him play. I wish he played for Arsenal. Boateng is stupid to say something like this - its clearly advocating for a player to be injured and its not acceptable coming from a fellow professional. If you cant stop him then go back to teh training field and work harder until you know how to handle him the right way. We pay money to enjoy football, not to see players fouled unjustly. Mr Boateng, you dont speak for us the fans. This isnt right.
- Clive, London, England
Yeah! Lets ban everyone better than us!
- John, UK
Oh dear, I guess referees should book skilful players for "unsportsmanlike contact" so that donkeys like Boateng get a chance. It isn't school sports day George.
- Slabs, Norwich
Ronaldo has every right to entertain and play the game as he sees fit.
Opponents always have the option of tackling him if they are able. Boateng seems to imply that kicking a player because they are better than you is justified. Not suprising for a player who spends his time kicking opponents.
- Los, London
