Ronaldo tells the match referee that the penalty kick he received was incorrect (video)

Cristiano Ronaldo produced an incredible act of sportsmanship in Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League clash with Persepolis.

Luis Castro’s side welcomed the Iranian outfit to Al Awwal Park for the penultimate game in Group E and looked set to take an early lead when Ronaldo won an early penalty.

The opposition players immediately protested the decision but in a shock turn of events, Ronaldo followed them in telling the referee it was not a foul.

He shook his finger in the direction of the referee and could be seen mouthing, “No penalty”.

Eventually the decision was overturned following a VAR review.

For many Ronaldo would be the last person to make such a gesture but his act of fair play was widely commended across the board.

The scenes evoked memories of Miroslav Klose’s fair play moment back in 2012. The former Germany striker was playing for Lazio against Napoli and scored early on.

However, Klose had actually scored using his hand and communicated this to the referee, who disallowed the goal and received recognition from the opposition.

The match went on to finish goalless, with Al Nassr’s Ali Lajami sent off in the 17th minute.

Al-Nassr had already qualified for the knockout stages before the match in Riyadh. The Saudi Pro League side are top of Group E with 13 points after five matches and five points ahead of Persepolis in second.

See the video here: