Cristiano Ronaldo responds to his five-match ban in an 'explosive' Instagram post

/COURTESY

• He was suspended for five games for his push on the referee in the first leg.
• Attempts to appeal to the decision fell on deaf ears.

Real Madrid talisman Cristiano Ronaldo was suspended for five games after pushing the referee during Super Cup first leg 3-1 win over rivals Barcelona.

The club attempted to appeal the decision but the Spanish Football Federation upheld the decision condemning the Portuguese to five games on the sidelines.

Ronaldo watches his teammates during the match

Los Blancos went ahead lifting the trophy after beating Barcelona 5-1 on aggregate thanks to Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema’s first half strikes.

Before the match, he slammed Spanish authorities' decision to uphold his five-match ban.

In a post translated from Portuguese, he said on Instagram: "Impossible to be immune to this situation, 5 games!

"It seems to me exaggerated and ridiculous, this is called persecution!

"Thanks to my teammates for the support and the fans."

Ronaldo will return for Real Madrid on September 19 against Real Betis.