Football
ESPN staff 8y

Cristiano Ronaldo's kick in Betis vs. Madrid an 'ugly gesture' - Molinero

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo's apparent kick at Francisco Molinero on Sunday has been labelled an "ugly gesture" by the Real Betis defender.

Ronaldo appeared to kick out at Molinero during the second half of the 1-1 La Liga draw at the Estadio Benito Villamarin -- just a week after being accused of deliberately kicking Sporting Gijon midfielder Nacho Cases in Madrid's 5-1 win.

Molinero said after the game that he was not impressed by the behaviour of the Portugal captain and felt he should have been punished by the referee for his actions.

"It was an ugly gesture by Ronaldo to kick out with his leg," Molinero is quoted as saying by AS. "If the referee sees it, it's an act of aggression.

"I also give out fouls, I am not a saint, but the ball has to be there. Without the ball it is undue."

Alvaro Cejudo opened the scoring for the home side on Sunday after just seven minutes, before Madrid equalised through Karim Benzema with less than 20 minutes remaining.

"We defended as well as we could," Molinero said. "To take a point from this team is very good. We have to keep going with this mentality."

The result leaves Betis 14th in La Liga, four points above the relegation zone, while Madrid are four points behind leaders Barcelona in third, having played one more game than their rivals.

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