Cristiano Ronaldo is ‘not used to losing games’ and lacks ‘mental focus’ during defeats, claims Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus after Man United legend saw red during Al-Nassr’s Saudi Super Cup exit

Cristiano Ronaldo is ‘not used to losing’ and lacks ‘mental focus’ during defeats, Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus has claimed, after the Al-Nassr star was sent off during the Saudi Super Cup semi-final.

The Man United legend saw red for raising his first towards the referee after appearing to elbow an opponent and stomping on him.

Al-Nassr lost the semi-final 2-1, but Ronaldo lost his head in the 86th minute after an altercation with Al-Hilal’s Ali Al-Bulaihi, who had tried to prevent the experienced striker from taking a quick throw.

Footage appeared to show Ronaldo throwing an elbow in the direction of the Al-Hilal defender, causing him to fall to the ground.

Another clip then appeared showing Ronaldo stomping on an already downed Al-Bulaihi, but the billboards blocked the view, making it unclear whether Ronaldo had made contact with the player.

Cristiano Ronaldo saw red for a moment of madness in which he appeared to elbow a player during Al-Nassr’s defeat to Al-Hilal

Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus explained the incident by saying Ronaldo was ‘not used to losing’

After a brawl between the two sides, Mohammed Al-Hoaish waved a red card.

In an attempt to explain Ronaldo’s behaviour, Ronaldo’s Portuguese compatriot Jesus praised the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, but said he lacks “mental focus” when he loses games because he is not used to it.

“Ronaldo is one of the most important players in the world and an example to many,” he told the press after the match.

“But he is not used to losing in his career, so it is normal for him to lose his head when he loses, and also to lose emotional and mental focus in defeats.”

He added: “It is not easy to play against (Al Hilal’s Kalidou) Koulibaly and Al-Bulayhi, they are the best central defenders in Saudi football.

‘I’m not going to deprive Ronaldo of the honour. He is still very strong. He has always been and will remain the most important player in the world. He is an example and a model.’

Jesus said the veteran striker lacked “mental focus” as he loses games in his career

Ronaldo was outraged after the decision and appeared to say fans were witnessing a ‘robbery’

After his red card, Ronaldo gestured as if he wanted to throw a punch – or perhaps the ball he was holding – in the direction of the referee before withdrawing the action.

Having already landed himself in very hot water, Ronaldo then sarcastically patted a match official on the shoulder after being shown a red card.

As he left the field, Ronaldo appeared to tell the crowd that “you are all witnesses to this robbery.”

Al-Nassr coach Luis Castro had insisted Ronaldo did not deserve to be sent off.

He said: ‘We have seen several clips this season of Ronaldo being provoked and after seeing some footage, Ronaldo did not do anything that merited a removal. The rival player (Al-Bulayhi) pretended to be hit.

‘There was little contact between Cristiano and the rival defender. He caused a scene and VAR should have called the referee to review the broadcast episode.”