Real Madrid director blames referee for denying penalty to Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo was denied a penalty in the first half during Real Madrid’s 0-0 draw against Sporting Gijon

Emilio Butragueno, director of Real Madrid, has blasted referee Javier Fernandez for denying Real Madrid a penalty during their opening La Liga fixture against Sporting Gijon.

Los Blancos kicked off their new campaign under new manager Rafa Benitez with a disappointing draw against newly promoted side Gijon as the hosts managed to contain Galacticos’ star-studded attack to share points on their return to La Liga.

Ronaldo and co endured a frustrating night as the Portuguese failed to inspire his side to a victory as he Portuguese had an off-night in front of goal, squandering chances that he would normally take. The 30-year-old was brought down inside the 18-yard-area by defender Sergio Alvarez when he attempted to meet a delivery but the referee ruled the decision in favour of the hosts as Madrid had to settle for a draw.

And Butragueno feels that the controversial call affected the result but defended the performances of Benitez’s men even after they failed to register.

Talking to reporters, he said, "There was the incident in the first half when Ronaldo was pulled when he had the advantage," "It was clear from replays that it was a penalty, but the referee did not see it that way.

"It was a very difficult game for us. We had to face a very seasoned team who pushed high up the pitch in front of a passionate home crowd. We regularly pushed into the Gijon box but couldn't find the goal that would give us peace in the first half.

"We made the game ours in the second half and had them under siege, but goalkeeper Ivan Cuellar was brilliant. The team deserved to win going by the number of chances we had and it was not the result we expected.

"Nevertheless, the team put in a great effort despite not getting the win. Now we have to focus on the next clash against Real Betis," he concluded.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo has posted one of his quotes on Instagram which was directed as a reply towards his haters. As stated earlier, the Portuguese endured a difficult night against Gijon as Real failed to breakdown the opposition’s defense.

And Ronaldo took his thoughts to social media as he posted the following message: