Ronaldo suspended for two matches, in time for Madrid derby

The Real Madrid striker was not suspended for three matches for his red card against Cordoba, returning in time for Real's match against his city rivals on February 7.

The Spanish Football Federation's disciplinary committee met on the morning of January 28 (local time) to decide on the punishment for Cristiano Ronaldo for the red card he received in the match against Cordoba on January 24. The punishment was announced that afternoon, according to which the Real Madrid striker will be banned for two matches. The Portuguese player will not be able to play when the "White Vultures" meet Real Sociedad (January 31) and Sevilla (February 4).

Ronaldo received a red card after a lack of restraint with a Cordoba defender. Photo:AFP.

Real accepted this penalty and have no intention of appealing.

Normally, in the case of a card like Ronaldo's, the penalty will be three matches, including two matches for a direct red card and an additional match for violent conduct, or it can be more severe if the behavior is serious.

However, the referee, in his post-match report, did not consider Ronaldo to have committed any violent acts. "In the 83rd minute, Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off for kicking an opponent when the ball was out of control," referee Alejandro Hernandez's report said.

Along with that, Brazilian defender Edimar also spoke up to ask for the lightest penalty for Ronaldo. The player who was kicked in the leg by Ronaldo told AS: "I forgive Ronaldo. This was not a violent act. He kicked me in the leg and hit me in the mouth, that's all. I want to say that these collisions happen often in football. Ronaldo should be punished at the normal level. I don't want to hurt him and hope Ronaldo will always be the best player in the world."

After the match against Cordoba, Ronaldo took to Twitter to apologise for his behaviour. The 2014 Ballon d'Or winner apologised to the fans and especially Edimar for "the thoughtless behaviour I caused during the match".

One consolation for Ronaldo and Real is that the Portuguese will be able to play in the big match against Atletico on February 7.

Ronaldo has scored 28 goals in La Liga this season after 19 matches and 36 goals in all competitions. 2015 started quite difficult for the Portuguese striker. His scoring efficiency is not as high as at the end of 2014. Real lost two consecutive matches at the beginning of the new year. Ronaldo and his supermodel lover broke up after 5 years of love and most recently received a red card and bad behavior in the eyes of fans.

According to VNE