Ronaldo cries foul as his appeal is rejected

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Bengaluru, August 23: Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo will have to serve his five-match ban for pushing a referee after the Spanish sports court (TAD) rejected his appeal against the length of the suspension, Spanish media reported citing court officials.

The Portuguese forward shoved official Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea after being sent off during Real's 3-1 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on August 13.

The two bookings at the Camp Nou were for taking off his shirt to celebrate his goal to make it 2-1, and for a dive.

As a result the Spanish Football Federation issued Ronaldo with a fine and a four match suspension in addition to the automatic one game ban the player was due to serve for the red card.

"Another incomprehensible decision," Ronaldo posted to his over 57 million Twitter followers.

"Injustices will not knock me down. I'll come back stronger. Thanks to those who have supported me."

The ban ruled Ronaldo out of the Super Cup second leg and Madrid's first La Liga match of the season against Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday. Real won both matches.

The striker will sit out league fixtures against Valencia, Levante and Real Sociedad before making his comeback against Real Betis on September 20.