Despite being a fierce competitor, Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved to be the epitome of sportsmanship. His selfless act in the recent Asian Champions League tie dominated the news as the Portuguese superstar requested the referee to cancel an awarded penalty. The most significant aspect of this gesture was that it potentially cost Al Nassr 3 points.

The match ended in a 0-0 draw and if the penalty had stood, Al Nassr could have sealed the game. While it’s a rare display of class, this is not the only time a soccer player has requested to cancel an incorrectly awarded penalty. Let’s see who they are.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

In the recent Asian Champions League tie against Iranian side Persepolis, the Al Nassr man was acknowledged to have been fouled in the box. However, replays showed that the contact was minimal and CR7 in fact had tripped over. Ronaldo promptly requested the referee to overturn the decision, which the referee accepted.

2. Lionel Messi

Soccer legend Lionel Messi displayed a similar gesture in the match against Rayo Vallocano in the 2018/19 La Liga season. The Argentine was dribbling past defenders with ease but fell down in the box. However, Messi immediately indicated a lack of contact to the referee, who was about to give a spot kick. The referee acknowledged Messi’s sportsmanship and gave the Barcelona attacker a thumbs-up.

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3. Felix Bastians

Felix Bastians, captain of VFL Bochum 1848 was involved in a similar incident in 2017 against Darmstadt. The center-back went down in the opposition box while his side was 1-0 down. He asked the referee to rescind the awarded penalty and his team went on to win the match 2-1. Perhaps a reward for his sportsmanship.

4. Aaron Hunt

In the 2013/14 Bundesliga season, Aaron Hunt of Werden Bremen tripped over a Nürnberg defender and asked the referee to waive off the penalty while his side was 2-0 up. This decision earned him respect from the opposition as they lined up to shake hands with the German midfielder.

5. Miroslav Klose

Another German on the list, Miroslav Klose probably had the most memorable penalty-withdrawal. In the 2004/05 season, during the match against Arminia Bielefeld, Klose looked like being fouled by the goalkeeper. The referee who was equally confused had a conversation with the Werder Bremen striker who admitted that it was not a penalty. Excellent sportsmanship from the 2014 World-Cup winner.

Will Ronaldo’s decision cost Al-Nassr in their Champions League journey? Let us know in the comments below.

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