In his report after the game between Córdoba and Real Madrid, referee Alejandro Hernández Hernández didn't refer to violent conduct when describing the reason why he sent off CR7. "In the 83rd minute Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off for the following reason: kicking an opponent when the ball was out of reach", the report read.

Just minutes after not being seen lashing out at another opponent, Ronaldo kicked out at Edimar, leading to a straight red card.

The Refereeing Committee will decide over the next week how long Ronaldo will be suspended for. At the moment, he is certain to miss the game against Real Sociedad next Saturday. If the ban were to stretch to more than two matches he would be forced to sit out the Madrid derby against Atlético, as Real must play the rearranged clash against Sevilla in between, but the referee's decision not to qualify the star's actions as violent conduct could yet help his cause.