Cristiano Ronaldo: Real Madrid forward's moment of madness

A kick, a slap, a punch, a red card and some cheeky goading of rival supporters, Cristiano Ronaldo covered off a number of football crimes on Saturday.

The 29-year-old - voted the world's best player when he was awarded Fifa's Ballon d'Or this month - lashed out with seven minutes remaining of Real Madrid's 2-1 win at Cordoba.
His reckless kick from behind on Edimar  was followed by a slap to the Brazilian's face and Ronaldo could have seen red earlier when he appeared to land a right-hook  on defender Jose Angel Crespo.
That sin went unpunished but after being dismissed for the ninth time in his career, the Portuguese dusted off his World Club Cup winners' badge as rival fans taunted him on his way to the tunnel.
A show of defiance maybe, but a contrite apology swiftly followed: "I apologise to everyone and especially to Edimar for my thoughtless acts in today's match," said Ronaldo. 
It is not the first time the so-often slick and cool Ronaldo has engaged in an act of violence and three of the four red cards shown to him in La Liga have now been for fighting with opponents.
Gareth Bale - a player booed for not passing to Ronaldo in recent weeks - netted a late Los Blancos winner to nullify the impact of the red card.
Referee Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez did not deem the act to be violent conduct,  so Ronaldo is unlikely to serve a three-game ban which would take in the Madrid derby on 7 February.

Ronaldo tussles with Jose Angel Crespo, who he also seemed to throw a punch at earlier in the game

With the score at 1-1 and seven minutes to go, Ronaldo lashed out at Edimar with a reckless kick

The World Player of the Year then pleads his innocence as Edimar lies on the floor but home players quickly surround and pressure him

Melee over, the former Manchester United forward is shown the ninth red card of his career

Ronaldo, a three-time Ballon d'Or winner, pointed at his Fifa World Club Cup winners' badge on his way off

Ronaldo trudges off past Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti and down the tunnel his boss will now await the referee's report of the incident

Gareth Bale - who would score a winning penalty - consoles Cristiano Ronaldo after his sending off