Real Madrid FC

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Coach leaps to Ronaldo defence

07 Dec 2009 - 07:04:18

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Real Madrid manager Manuel Pellegrini has defended Cristiano Ronaldo following his sending-off in Saturday's 4-2 home success against Almeria.

The Portuguese star picked up two bookings at Santiago Bernabeu after being in the thick of the action from start to finish.

In what was his first home start for over two months, he set up the first goal, scored their last, won and then missed a penalty before being shown a red card for a petulant kick out at Juanma Ortiz after receiving his first caution for taking his shirt off following his goal.

Speaking to the club's official website, Pellegrini said: "It's a shame that he saw a yellow card for taking his shirt off and he should have avoided that.

"His double booking was fair because he took his shirt off and because he was involved in a series of fouls.

"He is nevertheless a creative player who doesn't deserve to be sent off.

"Other players make many more fouls and never see a red card."