The Truth Revealed – Cristiano Ronaldo refused to step on Man City badge before Man Utd game ‘out of respect’
Cristiano Ronaldo made a point of avoid walking over the Manchester City badge inscribed on the floor when the Manchester United team arrived at the Etihad for the Manchester derby.
Before the Manchester derby, Cristiano Ronaldo refused to foot on the Manchester City badge.
On Sunday, the Manchester United player purposely walked away from the printed floor when he entered the Etihad Stadium (October 2). Ronaldo noticed it on his way to the locker room and adjusted his path to avoid walking over it.
Stepping on a badge is an unwritten rule for footballers that divides spectators, with some applauding the gesture of respect and others dismissing it as absurd. Ander Herrera, an ex-Manchester United midfielder, definitely belongs into the latter category, as he seemed to spit on the City emblem back in 2018.
Ronaldo handled himself better, and he was linked with a move to City last year before re-joining his former club, which has turned out to be a nightmare for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
He sat out the 6-3 derby thrashing because Erik ten Hag didn’t utilize him off the bench “out of respect” for his career. However, his former teammate Roy Keane has criticized his treatment.
“Man United, I believe, is disrespecting Ronaldo. I believe he should have been let go before the window closed “According to Keane on Sky Sports.
“You’re the manager, you need choices, but you don’t keep Ronaldo on the bench. He is one of the finest players of all time. He’s faced him in a couple of European games. It’ll only become worse as the season progresses.
“If he sits on the bench for United week in and week out, he’ll just get uglier. I believe United have showed Ronaldo nothing but disrespect.
“They should have let him leave when the chance arose. I know for a fact that he had options. But I think it’s ludicrous to keep Ronaldo on the bench for a player of his stature.”
