Row Brews Over Ronaldo Carding

Portugal have released a statement saying that there was a 'difference' in the treatment of Cristiano Ronaldo and the Ivory Coast player who brought him down before both received yellow cards during their Group G encounter.

The Portuguese Football Federation said in a statement that Ronaldo was 'pushed and insulted' after being fouled by Guy Demel.

Both Ronaldo and Demel were booked in the 21st minute of Tuesdays World Cup Group G game, which finished goalless.

"The Portuguese player was tripped and pushed near the Ivory Coast penalty box. As soon as he got up, he was surrounded by his opponents and then pushed and insulted.

"Despite provocations, Cristiano Ronaldo accepted, without complaint, the fact that the referee did not signal disciplinary offence against these players, which is required under the Laws of the Game."

Demel was joined by Didier Zokora in apparently accusing Ronaldo of going to ground too easily.

The FPF statement added: "Given the facts presented there is a disparity in the showing of the cards, since the African player who committed a foul received a yellow card and the Portuguese player who just tried to walk away from the situation was also punished."