Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has found himself the target of a petition that has called for him to be “punished” after forcing Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah out of the Champions League final.
Ramos is not exactly a stranger to widespread loathing outside Madrid, thanks to his abrasive style both on and off the pitch.
And he became Public Enemy No. 1, certainly in Egypt and Liverpool, after tangling with Salah early in the final in Kiev, which Real Madrid eventually won 3-1 .
The Egypt international was hauled down by Ramos and landed awkwardly on his shoulder . He left the field weeping shortly after, with his World Cup chances in doubt .
He has, however, since expressed his determination to be fit for the tournament, insisting that he’s a “fighter” and that he’s “confident” he’ll be ready for Russia .
Supporters haven’t forgotten Ramos’s role in his injury, however, with a change.org petition having garnered more than 300,000 signatures urging UEFA and FIFA to take action.
“Sergio Ramos intentionally kept Mohamed Salah’s arm under his armpit, causing dislocation of his shoulder. Not only missing the rest of the game, but also missing the FIFA World Cup 2018,” the petition’s author ‘Mohamed Salah Abdel-Hakeem’ argues.
“In addition he kept acting that Liverpool players fouled him falsely, causing the referee to give Manne a yellow card he did not deserve.
“Sergio Ramos represents an awful example to future generations of football players. Instead of winning matches fairly, he uses tricks that defy the spirit of the game and fair play.
“UEFA and FIFA should take measures against Ramos and similar players, using the video recordings of matches to keep the spirit of the game.”
Ramos did show contrition after the final whistle, sending a message to Salah via Twitter in which he wished his opponent a speedy recovery.
“Sometimes football shows you it’s good side and other times the bad. Above all, we are fellow pros. Get well soon Salah, the future is waiting for you,” the defender wrote on Saturday.
