There have been calls for heads to roll after Cristiano Ronaldo was done dirty by the BBC during Portugal’s rollercoaster win over Slovenia on Monday morning.
The 39-year-old broke down in tears after missing a penalty attempt in extra time before the Euro 2024 Round of 16 match went to a penalty shootout in Frankfurt, Germany.
His mum Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro was also spotted distraught in the stands after Slovenia’s superstar goalkeeper Jan Oblak brilliantly stopped his spot-kick, keeping the scores at 0-0 before the full time whistle.
Portugal edge past Slovenia in penalties | 01:38
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar eventually composed himself to successfully score a penalty in the shootout where Portugal prevailed 3-0.
With the dust settling on the dramatic win, it has now emerged that the BBC took a rogue dig at Ronaldo following his miss in the first half of extra time.
The national broadcaster wrote the term “Misstiano Penaldo” as the highlight tag of Ronaldo’s missed kick.
Before his shot was blocked by Oblak, Ronaldo had been on a run of 29 successful consecutive penalty attempts. However, his form in major international tournaments now stands at three misses from nine attempts.
He is also yet to score at this year’s Euros despite being the record goal scorer in the history of the competition with 14 goals, five ahead of the second best scorer.
Despite that record, there has been widespread outrage about the BBC’s cheeky label.
There have been public calls for the TV producer responsible to be sacked.
Former England and Chelsea captain John Terry shared his outrage about the BBC tag on Instagram, writing: “BBC this is a disgrace!”
Football commentator Felipe Orlando wrote: “Whether you love Ronaldo or hate him. This is genuinely disgusting from the BBC”.
Football content account SimplyGoal posted: “The disrespect to Ronaldo from BBC is disgusting”.
Seconds after Ronaldo’s miss, he was seen openly weeping as he stood in a huddle of Portugal players.
Consoled by teammate Joao Palhinha, Ronaldo was able to wipe away his tears and continue playing when the match resumed.
Portugal fans sang “Viva Ronaldo” after his emotional outburst was shown on the big screen in the Frankfurt Arena.
In the end Oblak’s heroics couldn’t stop his team from being eliminated.
Portugal now advances to a quarter-finals against France.
Ronaldo was still emotional after his team progressed.
“Sadness at the start is joy at the end. That’s what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments,” he said.
“A direct shot to give the team the lead. I didn’t manage it. [Jan] Oblak made a good save… I have to see the penalty, I don’t know if I shot well or badly, but I haven’t missed once all year, and when I needed it most, Oblak saved it.
“I think Portugal deserved it because we had more authority. Slovenia spent almost the entire game defending… it’s very difficult and the whole team is to be congratulated, especially our goalkeeper who made three very good saves.”
— with AFP
