CRISTIANO RONALDO has been sent off after appearing to elbow an opponent in the chest.

The former Manchester United star, 39, had been in action for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Super Cup when the flashpoint occurred.

Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to drive his elbow into his opponent

The 39-year-old was frustrated with his opponent

He was promptly shown a red card for his elbow

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Ronaldo motioned as if he wanted to punch the ball at the referee

With his side trailing 2-0 courtesy of goals by Salem Al-Dawsari and ex-Barcelona ace Malcom, Ronaldo’s frustration got the better of him.

After sliding the ball out of play, Al-Hilal defender Ali Al-Bulayhi tried to prevent the Portuguese from grabbing the ball to take a quick throw-in.

When Ronaldo nudged him out the way, Al-Bulayhi appeared to square up to him.

At this point, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner seemed to ram his elbow into his opponent’s chest.

Al-Bulayhi, 34, went down in a heap, with players from both sides immediately running over.

Kalidou Koulibaly went rushing in and was shoved, before Aymeric Laporte tried to act as peacemaker.

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When the referee flashed his red card at Ronaldo, the forward appeared to motion as if he wanted to punch the ball at the official.

He then sarcastically gave the ref a thumbs up, before motioning over at Al-Bulayhi, still crumpled in a heap.

As he left the pitch, Ronaldo was taunted by “Messi” chants from the crowd.

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This is not the first time that Al-Bulayhi has upset Ronaldo.

In a Saudi Pro League clash last season, Ronaldo accused the 34-year-old of play-acting.

On that occasion it was Al-Bulayhi who went on to be sent off after picking up two yellow cards.

The veteran defender has also had run-ins with the likes of Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min.

During Saudi Arabia’s clash with Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, Al-Bulayhi went head-to-head with Messi, telling him “you won’t win”.

Saudi Arabia went on to win the match 2-1, despite the fact that Messi and company had the last laugh by winning the championship.

Earlier this year, during Saudi Arabia’s Asian Cup play versus South Korea, Al-Bulayhi shoved Son.

The Tottenham player did not stand up in reply, instead grinning as they spoke.

Then it seemed as though Al-Bulayhi was pulling on Son’s hair, but the front was still frozen in place.

Even after Ronaldo was sent off, Sadio Mane was able to rescue a goal for Al-Nassr.

But they were defeated 2-1, and the league leaders Al-Hilal won the Saudi Super Cup and will now face Al-Ittihad.

Ali Al-Bulayhi and Lionel Messi clashed at the 2022 World Cup

Al-Bulayhi has also clashed with Son Heung-min while playing for his country