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Cristiano Ronaldo red card: Juventus coach Max Allegri calls for VAR after Champions League controversy

REUTERS
REUTERS

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri called for the introduction for Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the Champions League after Cristiano Ronaldo was controversially sent off in the 2-0 win over Valencia.

The Portuguese star, making his Champions League debut for his new club, saw red after just 30 minutes for an off-the-ball collision with Valencia defender Jeison Murillo.

Referee Felix Brych consulted the assistant referee behind the goal before brandishing the red card and the 33-year-old was reduced to tears on the pitch after being dismissed.

Replays showed there was little contact between the pair and the Juventus coach was understandably frustrated with the decision that could see Ronaldo banned for up to three games.

"I can only say that VAR would’ve helped the referee in this decision," the Italian coach said after the game.

(AFP/Getty Images)
(AFP/Getty Images)

"Going down to 10 men in the Champions League for an incident like that is disappointing. We risked losing tonight with this and we’ll miss him for the next games too."

Despite playing for over an hour with 10 men, Miralem Pjanic scored twice from the penalty spot to hand the Old Lady a 2-0 victory in Spain.

And Allegri was satisfied with his side's performance as they dug in after Ronaldo received his marching orders.

“The lads did really well, as we had numerous chances even before Ronaldo’s dismissal, then we deservedly took the lead," he added.

(REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

"It was only natural that towards the end we allowed Valencia some more room, but Szczesny didn’t really have a save until the penalty in stoppages."

If Juventus decide not to appeal, Ronaldo could miss the return to his old club Manchester United on October 23.