Did a pitch invader try to attack Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The former Real Madrid attacker scored twice in the first half but was involved in an incident with a “fan” before half time.
As ever, Cristiano Ronaldo was among the goals as Portugal put Bosnia and Herzegovina to the sword in a Euro 2024 qualifier in Zenica on Monday. The former Real Madrid superstar scored the first two of his team’s goals as they raced into a 5-0 half-time lead, with qualification for the tournament already secured. However, the Al Nassr striker was also in the headlines for other reasons as stewards were forced to intervene after a pitch invader approached him on the field.
Moments after Barcelona’s on-loan attacker João Félix had scored Portugal’s fifth goal four minutes before half time, one individual made his way to the front of the stand, hopped over an advertising board and onto the field after Ronaldo had taken a throw-in next to the corner flag.
A pitch invader in Bosnia tried to hurt Ronaldopic.twitter.com/EZw8LPDzaQ
— Total Football (@TotalFootbol) October 16, 2023
“Fan” appears to get hands on Ronaldo in Euro 2024 qualifier in Zenica
Mbappé keeping quiet as France head to Euro 2024
Scaloni discusses Messi's starting hopes in Peru
The intruder’s intentions weren’t entirely clear although they don’t appear to have been especially amicable on first glance, with a number of stewards required to step in and eject the “fan”, who did appear to briefly get his hands on the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. Ronaldo looked to be shoved out of harm’s way by security and his reaction suggested he had taken some kind of blow to his foot or leg, although he gestured to teammates that he would be able to play on. He did reappear for the second half.
The pitch invader in the Bosnia:
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) June 20, 2023
“I saw a great opportunity in the game to fulfill my dream of meeting Ronaldo, I did not hesitate. I approached him and hugged him and kissed his shoes. I think Cristiano's weight is 80 kilograms.” pic.twitter.com/eUI9PHPifC
Ronaldo’s second incident with pitch invader against Bosnia and Herzegovina
Incidentally, following the first meeting between the teams in Lisbon, the ex-Manchester United forward had also been involved in an incident with a pitch invader. That, however, was a rather more heart-warming tale, with the fan in question racing to give the Portuguese a hug, lifting him in the air before asking him to do his trademark goal celebration.