CRISTIANO RONALDO ‘set a bad example’ with his ‘unacceptable behaviour’ against Serbia, according to former Portugal international Fernando Meira.
Ronnie threw his captain’s armband to the ground as he stormed off the pitch having had a late winner disallowed in the 2-2 draw.
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Ronaldo, 36, was left furious with Danny Makkelie and his Dutch team of officials when he failed to allow the clear winner.
The Juventus forward tucked home under the goalkeeper and the ball clearly rolled over the line before Serb skipper Stefan Mitrovic hooked it away – and then saved the rebound.
But with no goal-line technology, the goal did not stand.
Ronaldo let rip at the assistant who did not flag – and was duly booked.
But Portugal were left to settle for a 2-2 draw in their World Cup qualifier in Belgrade.
And the Juve ace lost his head, gesticulating and throwing his armband of the floor as he steamed down the tunnel.
Ronnie had every right to feel aggrieved and ref Makkelie even apologised for the gaffe.
But former Portugal international Meira was not impressed.
He said: “It’s clearly a goal, but Ronaldo can’t throw the armband on the ground like that.
“Cristiano’s reaction is natural, but it’s not acceptable from the national team captain.
“You can’t throw the armband on the ground and head into the dressing room while the game is still going on.
“It’s not acceptable behaviour for a player of his stature.
“I understand his frustration and I agree with him because his goal should have counted, but the referees need to make a decision without VAR and he has to set an example.
“But the example he set last night wasn’t good enough.”
Ronaldo defendeded his actions after the game when he wrote online: “Being Portugal captain is one of the biggest privileges and honours of my life.
“I give and always will give everything for my country and that will never change.
“But there are sometimes difficult moments we have to face, above all when we feel the whole nation is being affected.
“It’s time to pick ourselves up and look forward to the next challenge. Come on Portugal!”
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