CRISTIANO RONALDO will not win an appeal over his Champions League red card because of the nature of the incident.
That’s the view of ESPN pundit Craig Burley, who says that although he didn’t think it was a red card, there was still physical contact and so it will be difficult to overturn the decision.
Ronaldo was given his marching orders in Juventus’ 2-0 win over Valencia at the Mestalla last night - his first game in the competition for the Old Lady.
As a result, the former Real Madrid forward gets an automatic one-game Champions League ban, meaning he definitely misses Juventus' home game against Young Boys on October 2.
But it could get worse, with UEFA opening disciplinary proceedings over the incident, meaning the 33-year-old could see his ban increased to two or even three matches.
Should he be banned for one extra game, Ronaldo would miss the trip to Old Trafford to face his old club Manchester United.
Should he be banned for three, he would miss the return game against them in Turin.
Ronaldo was sent off for an altercation with Valencia defender Jeison Murillo, with suggestions he pulled his hair.
Burley thinks that had VAR been in place, it would have cleared the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
When Burley was asked if he thought it was even a yellow card, he said: “I don’t think so.
Ronaldo’s case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body next Thursday.
It will then be announced exactly how many games Ronaldo will be banned for.
Ronaldo is the Champions League’s record scorer, having netted on 120 occasions, 17 more than Lionel Messi, who is next on the list.
He was won the competitions five times - once with United and four with Real.