Manchester United Manager Erik Ten Hag has suspended forward Cristiano Ronaldo for a week after walking off the pitch on Wednesday, October 19. This happened before the Manchester United-Tottenham Hotspur clash ended. This spurred more anger among the supporters and the football fraternity.
Manchester United has also confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will not travel with the squad to face Chelsea this coming Saturday. He has also been suspended from training with the first team.
In a press conference, Erik confirmed that Cristiano refused to come into the pitch during the Tottenham clash. He was seen going to the tunnel before the final whistle of the game, an action that may have not sat well with Erik.
Photos: Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United (Facebook)
“I am responsible for the top spot culture. I have to set standards and values, and I have to control them. He wasn’t the only one,” Erik said.
“That had a consequence, and that is what we did. We miss him tomorrow. He remains an important part of the squad. That is a miss for us and the squad, but I think it is important for the attitude and mentality of the team. We have to focus on Chelsea now,” the Red Devils manager added.
Cristiano has since apologized for the Wednesday incident.
“I try to live and play respectfully towards my colleagues, but sometimes the heat of the moment gets the best of us. Giving in to the pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Soon we’ll be together again,” Cristiano wrote.
Photo: Manchester United (Facebook)
This is not the first time the much star-studded footballer has been involved in such defiance. He refused to get in as a substitute in the pre-season match against Rayo Vallecano and was even seen leaving the field before the match ended.
“After Rayo Vallecano, I said it was unacceptable, but it wasn’t just him. The second time there have to be consequences. That is what has happened,” Erik Ten Had reiterated.
Photos: Cristiano Ronaldo (Facebook)
Former Manchester United Carlos Teves also refused to be substituted by his coach Roberto Mancini in the champions league match in 2011. He was consequently fined £500,000 and suspended by the club for a maximum period of two weeks.
Article by Michael Omondi
Email: michaelomondi@upeohubdigital.co.ke
