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Ronaldo: I didn’t dive and the ref was wrong to book me
Mark Isaacs2 Mar 2009
Cristiano Ronaldo claims referee Chris Foy was wrong to book him for diving during the Carling Cup Final.
For the second weekend running, the Manchester United winger was cautioned for hitting the ground, this time under Ledley King's challenge.
It did not matter too much as United went on to win the trophy on penalties. But it seems officials are now taking a hard-line approach with the world player of the year when he goes down in the box.
Television replays showed King made contact with the 24-year-old and Ronaldo said: “You will see that their player kicked me in the foot.
“The referee did not make the right decision then and he didn't give me a lot all match, I don't know why. But in every game, the referee's decision has to be respected.”
Sir Alex Ferguson also claimed that Ronaldo had been treated unfairly by Foy over the booking for diving.
The United manager said: “It was ridiculous. It was a penalty. I do not mind the referee getting the decision wrong but to book him was too easy an option.
“But he couldn't get there to book him quick enough. Is that because it was Ronaldo? Yes, absolutely.”
Yesterday's triumph allowed the Old Trafford outfit to pick up their second piece of silverware, having won the Club World Cup, and Ronaldo believes United are on course to win five major trophies this season.
United already sit top of the Premier League, are in the last 16 of the Champions League and the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
“At Manchester there is always an opportunity to win everything but we need to keep our feet on the ground,” said Ronaldo.
“It's quite difficult and we have to think game to game. We won this cup and we are top of the League and in the Champions League and FA Cup.
“It's always special to win. Manchester always want to win games and finals.”
United claimed the trophy at Wembley after converting all four of their spot-kicks, with Spurs scoring only one of their three as Jamie O'Hara's effort was saved and David Bentley shot wide.
Reader views (4)
Right or wrong on this overall the refereee was an embarassment to the profession. Hopefully he will watch the video and do the right thing - resign
- Colin, Engerland, 03/03/2009 10:01
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The problem with this great player is that he has cried wolf and cheated to get favourable decisions so many times refs are wary of him.
After the challenge did nobody not notice his foot dangling hoping to catch Ledley king's leg.
It is a shame that such a genius has got this gene in him that makes him cheat he is becoming disliked for this behavior rather than being thought of as a future great.
- Terry, London, 02/03/2009 22:41
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The twinkle toed tumbler is the only person in the world who thinks he didn't dive, oh and the Mad SAF and his sycophant sidekick Phelan.
I watched him many times this season and his cheating, petulance and downright nastiness is horrible. Undoubtably one of the most talented footballers of all time, but a vile unsavoury piece of garbage as a human being.
- Kerry Trubee, Purley,, 02/03/2009 16:17
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Of course Ronaldo always says he did not dive but the fact is he does it so much that the times he gets booked for the offence when he is innocent, do not match up to the amount of times he gets away with it from most refs.
In most games you see him rolling over when hardly touched but complaining constantly if he fails to get a free kick or a player booked. It is a shame that a talented footballer resorts to these tactics so often, maybe if he stopped he could be less despised by the fans
- Terry, uk, 02/03/2009 14:39
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