Ronaldo's Plea For More Protection

The Premiership is famed for its unforgiving nature. Tough tackling by no-nonsense defenders has always been a characteristic trait of English football throughout its history. However, Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has called for more protection from referees and fears that he may even have to change his style of play in order to protect himself from injury.

The Portuguese winger made the comments in the aftermath of United's 1-0 FA Cup exit to Portsmouth on Saturday. Ronaldo was particularly aggrieved after being denied a penalty against Sylvain Distin, who appeared to body-check the 22-year-old with little interest in playing the ball.

"Refs don't protect skillful players. I think about the Arsenal player (Eduardo) and I'm scared sometimes to do skills because some players do unbelievable fouls and the ref protects the defender, not the skilled player! It's very disappointing and I'm thinking a lot about changing my game. When referees don't give penalties, yellow cards or reds, it's difficult to play."

As arguably the most gifted footballer playing in the Premiership today, Ronaldo's contemplation to adjust his game in order to avoid being injured is a disappointing admission and is a thought process which should be unnecessary.

Players such as Ronaldo should not be bullied into changing their natural game; fearing that if they don't then they'll end up on the treatment table like the player the Portuguese international refers to in his rant, Eduardo. After the Croatian's horrific injury was broadcast across the globe two-weeks ago, there have been calls for referees to clamp down on reckless challenges.

However, in light of the current inconsistencies in the English game - with the FA seemingly unable to even establish a set of ground rules when it comes to what constitutes a dangerous challenge - Ronaldo's call for more protection is likely to fall on deaf ears.

It would be a travesty if a player as gifted as Cristiano Ronaldo was forced to curb the fancy footwork as a last resort, to ensure he is never on the reciving end of a career threatening tackle. Although given Ronaldo's
persistent determination to fool the opponent, it would seem more likely that the United winger will leave the Premiership altogether before we see the last of his dazzling array of skills.

Many supporters of other Premiership clubs may well perceive this message from Ronaldo as a whinge and are unlikely to feel too sympathetic towards the Portuguese's plight given the history between the winger and the England national team. A large proportion of the same set of fans still, somewhat sadly, continue to bare a grudge against Ronaldo.

It's hardly surprising though, many English football fans follow the tabloid's automatic search for a scapegoat as soon as England's failings are cruelly exposed tournament after tournament, and possibly still throw darts at pictures of Diego Maradona, David Beckham, Phil Neville, David Seaman, Urs Meier and so on...

But admirers of beautiful football respect the talent that Ronaldo possesses. As fans of the Premiership, we are fortunate that one of the finest players of the current generation of footballers plys his trade in this country.

So if the FA is to ignore Ronaldo's plea for more protection, what sort of message will this send out to other young world-class players? If a promising youngster witnesses the struggle Ronaldo faces on a weekly basis to avoid being taken out the game, it seems inevitable that Spain or Italy will be their preferred destination.

So, a balance has to be struck somehow. By introducing firmer punishments for dangerous challenges, the Premiership could well lose a hint of its uncompromising nature. It would be a shame it the famous hustle and bustle was squeezed out of the English game and this is not the intention.

But to keep hold of players like Ronaldo and to inspire the next generation of world-class footballers to play in this country, the FA needs to ensure they are not scared off totally by rogue defenders with only one thought on their mind - to eliminate the threat by any means necessary.