Cristiano Ronaldo has clamored for World Cup officials to give skilled players more protection.

“Referees should protect the more skilful players when they are getting fouled by the opposition,” Ronaldo told The Sun.

“One of their players fouled me in the first half and I got a yellow card for it. I don’t understand it. When it is three against one, as it was with their players against me, it is not fair to book me.

“Sometimes it is difficult for me when referees give fouls because they think I dive.”

Ronaldo’s international manager Carlos Queiroz agrees with these sentiments.

“They don’t protect talented footballers any more,” he said.

“The Ivory Coast players made intimidating tackles.

“Ronaldo was the victim of a bad decision.”

The 0-0 draw leaves Portugal two points behind Brazil in the group of death, and with matches against the Brazilians and North Korea they need to pick up at least one win if they want to advance. Cristiano Ronaldo came closest to scoring for the Europeans yesterday as he smashed a shot off the post in the first half.

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