Five match ban seems exaggerated and ridiculous: Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo today hit out at the Spanish football federation(RFEF) accusing the sports body's decision to impose a five-match ban as "exaggerated" and "ridiculous".

"It's impossible not to react to this situation, 5 games! It seems to me exaggerated and ridiculous, this is called persecution!" Ronaldo wrote in an Instagram post.

Ronaldo was handed the ban after he shoved referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea as he was being sent off during Madrid's match against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday. Ronaldo's on-field behaviour meant he received an automatic one-match ban for his dismissal and an extra four-match ban was added later after he was found guilty of misbehaviour with the referee.

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The World Player of the Year was fined $4,500 and given ten days to appeal. Real appealed but the RFEF rejected it although the club can still take the case to Spanish's government's sports court in order to reduce the ban.

During the match against Barcelona on Sunday, the 32-year-old star threw his shirt after scoring and held it up to the crowd and was promptly booked and just minutes later he was sent off after trying to win a penalty and appeared to angrily push Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea which later attracted a four-match ban.

Coach Zidane backed Ronaldo, saying: "We played a great game but I am annoyed by Cristiano's sending off, perhaps it wasn't a penalty but the red card is a little harsh. We can't change it, but we'll try and make sure he plays on Wednesday."