SAO PAULO // The Corinthians striker Ronaldo has been given a one-match ban for pulling an opponent's hair and pinching him, Brazil's disciplinary tribunal said on Tuesday. The former AC Milan, Inter Milan, Barcelona, PSV Eindhoven and Real Madrid forward was found guilty of ungentlemanly conduct for the incident during the goalless draw with Botafogo in the Brazilian championship 10 days ago. The three-time world player of the year, who could have been suspended for up to three matches, will not be allowed to play in the Brazilian league match against rivals Santos on Sunday.
Ronaldo, 32, was already expected to miss the match because of a right calf injury. The tribunal voted to suspend Ronaldo after television images showed him grabbing the hair and pinching the Botafogo defender Fahel in a tussle inside the penalty area. Ronaldo was retaliating after Fahel grabbed his jersey. The referee did not see the incident and neither of the players received cards. Ronaldo injured his right leg in the 1-0 win against Fluminense in the first leg of the Brazilian Cup quarter-finals on May 13. He will also miss Corinthians' semi-final against Vasco on Wednesday. The striker returned to competitive football in March after more than a year sidelined because of the third serious knee injury of his career.
He has scored eight goals since joining Corinthians. * With agencies