Controversial VAR denies Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr opening day win

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr were denied all three points as Al-Nassr were held to a 1-1 draw by Al-Raed on the opening day of the Saudi Pro League.

Al-Raed’s Mohammed Fouzair scored a penalty at the start of the second half, to draw level for his team at Al Awal Park on Thursday.

Video Assistant Referee was instrumental on three occasions to make the game end all squared.

Al-Nassr dominated from the first half as Ronaldo towered over everyone in the box to nod home Sadio Mane’s delivery.

However, VAR gave a controversial penalty after Aymeric Laporte was seen to have dragged back Fouzair when he tried to reach a rebound. Laporte was red carded and after a VAR review, the card was reduced to a yellow and a penalty was awarded to Al-Raed.

VAR intervention came once again as Ronaldo thought he had scored the winner, only to be counted as offside, following a VAR check.

Meanwhile, Al-Raed goalkeeper, Meshari Sunyur, was also impressive as he made several stops to save his side a point and also earn the man of the match award.

Late in game, Al-Nassr were also denied the chance of taking the lead as a penalty was waved away by VAR after a Sadio Mane cut back struck the hand of Al-Raed defender.

Al-Nassr were unable to join Al-Taawoun on three points at the top of the table after their win earlier on Thursday.