Fans Win Court Case After Cristiano Ronaldo Didn't Play In 2019 Friendly

A promotion company has had to pay more compensation to football fans in South Korea, after Cristiano Ronaldo failed to play in a pre season friendly in 2019.

Back in July 2019, Juventus faced 'Team K-League' in a friendly, playing out a 3-3 draw in the Seoul Olympic Stadium, with around 65,000 people in the stands.

Ronaldo was left on the bench for the whole game, with then Juve boss Maurizio Sarri claiming the five time Ballon d'Or winner was suffering with 'muscle fatigue.'

Match promoter Fasta Inc had promised at least 45 minutes of action from Ronaldo and, when he didn't come off the bench, two fans took court action against the company and were awarded £240 in compensation back in January.

Now 162 other fans in attendance have been handed compensation. Seoul Central District Court ordered the promoters to compensate the fans with half their ticket price plus a further £34 each.

The court said, via CNA, "The defendant has contractual obligations of Ronaldo playing in the game barring any unforeseen circumstances."

Fans suffered 'emotional distress' for the player's lack of game time, according to the court, and it was all after the Old Lady's flight into Korea was late.

Those inside the stadium had to wait an hour for the Italian champions to arrive and kick off the game 60 minutes later than originally scheduled.

With fans being promised that the former Real Madrid star would play half the game they began getting restless as he was shown on the bench, not even warming up.

Those inside the ground began by chanting for the Portugal forward but soon turned on him and started chanting for Lionel Messi instead.

Brazil forward Cesinha did at least give everyone a moment of Ronaldo. The K League player made it 2-1 just before half time and celebrated with Ronaldo's famous 'SIUUUU' celebration, before asking for the 35-year-old's shirt at half time.

Juventus also had to forgo $675,000 of their $3 million match fee against the K-League side for failing to play Ronaldo in the match, as per the agreement.

Topics: Football News, South Korea, Football fans, Serie A, Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo

Ryan Sidle

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