Al-Nassr boss claims Cristiano Ronaldo's shocking red card vs Al-Hilal was 'incorrect' despite seeing star man elbow Ali Al-Bulaihi and raise his fist to referee

Ronaldo had a frustrating evening against Al-Hilal during his side's 2-1 defeat in the semi-final of the Saudi Super Cup as he was first cautioned for vehement protests against the match official and later given marching orders for violent conduct towards defender Al-Bulayhi. However, Al-Nassr manager Castro came out in passionate defence of Ronaldo and instead accused the Al-Hilal player of acting to get him sent off.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Castro said: "The decision was incorrect. The Al Hilal defender pretended that he was hit in the face, and it was a play on his part, and the contact was small, and they took advantage of Ronaldo’s provocation. The VAR referee was supposed to call the main referee, and this is my personal opinion."

Ronaldo's frustration was palpable as Al-Hilal have turned out to be a bogey team for Al-Nassr this campaign. They were beaten two times in the Saudi Pro League and the latest defeat saw them get knocked out of the Saudi Super Cup. However, Al-Nassrdid get the better of Jorge Jesus' side in the final of the Arab Club Champions Cup, with Ronaldo scoring a brace.

Al-Hilal sealed their spot in the final and will face Al-Ittihad, who beat Al-Wehda 2-1 in the other semi-final, on April 11 at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Al-Nassr and Ronaldo, meanwhile, will go into a mini-break before returning to action on April 19 against Al-Feiha in the domestic league.