Keith Hackett: Cristiano Ronaldo deserved red card for punch on West Brom defender Dara O’Shea
We’re delighted to welcome former Premier League & FIFA-listed referee Keith Hackett as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at West Brom.
Keith Hackett is adamant that Cristiano Ronaldo deserved a red card after an incident with West Brom defender Dara O’Shea last week.
O’Shea, 22, started for the Republic of Ireland in Faro on Wednesday in their World Cup qualifier against the 2016 European champions.
It was an eventful first half for the Albion man as he was involved in an unseemly altercation with Ronaldo before suffering a nasty-looking injury that forced him off the field.
The issue with the new Manchester United signing arose from O’Shea standing his ground in front of the ball which Ronaldo had placed on the penalty spot for his spot-kick, which was subsequently saved.
Ronaldo struck out at O’Shea, but he avoided any sanctions from the referee.
Ex-FIFA-listed official Hackett believes the 36-year-old was lucky to escape punishment.
“That’s a punch,” Hackett told West Brom News.
“Yeah [it’s been missed completely]. It’s not a yellow card offence, it’s a red card offence. He should have walked.
“Ultimately, at the end of the day, if a player strikes an opponent, that’s a red card offence. We’ve got four officials and VAR on the game, they should be able to see it.”
Ronaldo went on to score two late goals to sink the Republic of Ireland 2-1 while West Brom nervously wait for further news on O’Shea’s injury.
West Brom host Millwall at The Hawthorns on Saturday, but O’Shea’s participation in the fixture looks to be in major doubt after he was ruled out of the Republic of Ireland squad.
In other West Brom news, Joseph Masi shares claim on Matheus Pereira transfer fee between Al Hilal and Albion.
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