Football
ESPN staff 9y

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo 'is forgiven,' says Cordoba's Edimar

Cordoba defender Edimar has said he holds no grudge against Cristiano Ronaldo after the Real Madrid star was sent off for kicking out at him during Madrid's 2-1 victory on Saturday.

A frustrated Ronaldo received a straight red card after the incident, which happened with the score level at 1-1, but Gareth Bale later ensured that Carlo Ancelotti's team would take all three points.

The Portugal captain later used Twitter to say sorry, writing: "I apologise to everyone and especially Edimar for my thoughtless action in today's game."

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti declined to comment on the incident.

But Brazilian defender Edimar told AS: "I know that Cristiano has apologised on social networks. For me, he is forgiven.

"It was a [passage of] play in which Cristiano was a little hot-headed and a little frustrated because things were not going well.

"It was not an attempt at aggression. He hit my legs and my mouth, nothing more. What I mean is that those responsible understand that things happen on a football pitch.

"But it is something that can happen to any of us. I think it happened, and that's it. I forgive Cristiano Ronaldo. I hold no grudge. I forgive Cristiano."

He said he had not yet spoken to Ronaldo, expressing the hope that the Ballon d'Or holder would receive a "normal" suspension. A three-match ban would see Ronaldo miss the Madrid derby against Atletico next month.

And Edimar said: "Cristiano should receive a normal suspension, nothing more. I don't want to hurt him, and I hope that he remains the best player in the world."

La Liga leaders Real fell behind to a Nabil Ghilas penalty after just two minutes, but equalised before half-time through Karim Benzema's scrambled effort.

Bale calmly converted from the penalty spot late on to ensure Los Blancos remain at the top of the table.

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