Cristiano Ronaldo's Return from "Naughty Step" a Sham: FIFA's Shameless Double Standard
The decision by FIFA to lift Cristiano Ronaldo's suspension just days after he received a red card for violent conduct has left many questioning the competence of the governing body. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was issued with a standard three-match ban, but two of those games have now been suspended by the Disciplinary Committee for a "one-year probation period".
The move is nothing short of baffling, given that Ronaldo's previous good conduct seems to be the only factor considered in his case. In stark contrast, Armenian midfielder Tigran Barseghyan received a similar red card in almost identical circumstances but was handed a three-match ban.
Barseghyan has since sat out two internationals and will miss his nation's next competitive match, while Ronaldo gets to return to action without missing a game. It is a stark reminder of FIFA's double standard when it comes to treating players from different countries.
The decision also raises questions about the credibility of FIFA's disciplinary process. How can we trust that similar punishments will not be handed out in future cases? The lack of transparency and consistency from the governing body is alarming, especially given their track record of making questionable decisions.
The suspension was issued after Ronaldo was sent off during a defeat against the Republic of Ireland, but he has since spoken about his regret over the incident. His reaction appears to have been genuine, which may explain why his punishment was reduced.
In any case, it's hard not to feel that Ronaldo got away with something here. The fact that FIFA chose to suspend only two games of his ban suggests that they are trying to appease him, rather than uphold justice.
This decision also raises questions about the favoritism shown by FIFA towards certain players and countries. It is a worrying trend that undermines the integrity of the sport.
The decision by FIFA to lift Cristiano Ronaldo's suspension just days after he received a red card for violent conduct has left many questioning the competence of the governing body. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was issued with a standard three-match ban, but two of those games have now been suspended by the Disciplinary Committee for a "one-year probation period".
The move is nothing short of baffling, given that Ronaldo's previous good conduct seems to be the only factor considered in his case. In stark contrast, Armenian midfielder Tigran Barseghyan received a similar red card in almost identical circumstances but was handed a three-match ban.
Barseghyan has since sat out two internationals and will miss his nation's next competitive match, while Ronaldo gets to return to action without missing a game. It is a stark reminder of FIFA's double standard when it comes to treating players from different countries.
The decision also raises questions about the credibility of FIFA's disciplinary process. How can we trust that similar punishments will not be handed out in future cases? The lack of transparency and consistency from the governing body is alarming, especially given their track record of making questionable decisions.
The suspension was issued after Ronaldo was sent off during a defeat against the Republic of Ireland, but he has since spoken about his regret over the incident. His reaction appears to have been genuine, which may explain why his punishment was reduced.
In any case, it's hard not to feel that Ronaldo got away with something here. The fact that FIFA chose to suspend only two games of his ban suggests that they are trying to appease him, rather than uphold justice.
This decision also raises questions about the favoritism shown by FIFA towards certain players and countries. It is a worrying trend that undermines the integrity of the sport.
like seriously what r going on w/ fifa?? cristiano ronaldo gets away w/ this 3-match ban & it's just not right 
. i mean he got sent off 4 violent conduct but now he's getting a 'probation period' & plays all his games 
. tigran barseghyan who also got sent off in similar circumstances gets a 3-match ban & misses 2 internationals 
. it's like fifa is showing favoritism to ronaldo w/ his country Portugal 
. i dont get why they can't be consistent w/ punishments 
. its so frustrating as a fan 
.
. Barseghyan got a similar red card and now he's out for two internationals while Ronaldo gets to return without even missing one game? It's like you're playing favorites 
. You guys need to get your act together and make some real changes before this sport loses all credibility 
or else we'll see more players (and fans) losing trust in this governing body 
.
I mean, come on... two years ago Ronaldo gets red card for same thing Barseghyan got last week & he's back playing in 2 weeks, while Barseghyan misses like 3 games... what's up with this?! 
And it's not just about Ronaldo, all those countries from Europe are getting favorable treatment... 
I'm starting to think they're more worried about image than justice... 
after being sent off for violent conduct, but Tigran Barseghyan from Armenia gets hit with a three-match ban? What's up with that?! 
. This double standard is just not cool, fam 
.
. He was given a pretty sweet deal after that, and now it seems like he's getting off easy again 
️.
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but what about fairness? Tigran Barseghyan got the same red card in almost identical circumstances and he's getting hammered 
I'm not saying CR7 didn't regret his actions but come on, FIFA needs to get its act together 
this double standard is just ridiculous 
they're literally giving cr7 a break after he gets sent off in a game 
i mean we all know cr7 is a superstar and has a certain level of influence, but come on fifa can't you just hand out punishments based on the rules instead of playing favorites? 
. That just shows FIFA is not bothered to apply the same rules to everyone. It's like they're choosing who to favor and who to punish based on their star power 
.
It's like FIFA is giving preferential treatment to the big boys. 
In 2015, 64% of players received a suspension for yellow or red cards, but by 2020 that number had dropped to 46%. 
It's like they're trying to keep up with the Joneses.
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. And FIFA's all secretive about their decisions, it's like they're hiding something 
... I need more transparency from them, you know? This whole thing just feels like a mess 