Former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo convinced referee Ma Ning not to award him a penalty during Al-Nassr's goalless draw with Iranian side Persepolis on Monday evening.
Ronaldo, who joined the Saudi Arabian club almost a year ago, went down inside the penalty area just two minutes into the Asian Champions League encounter, resulting in Ning pointing to the penalty spot, presenting Al-Nassr with a golden chance to take an early lead.
However, in an act of incredible honesty, Ronaldo urged Ning to overturn the decision. The Chinese referee went over to the pitchside monitor to review the incident and ultimately changed his call, rescinding the penalty.
It turned out to be a key moment in the contest, of course, as it proceeded to finish 0-0. READ MORE: How Kobbie Mainoo delivered overdue solution to United dilemma READ MORE: Alejandro Garnacho is getting what he craved from Cristiano Ronaldo A combination of Ronaldo's honesty and the video assistant referee (VAR) saved Persepolis, who played the bulk of the game with an extra man; Al-Nassr were reduced to 10 men when Ali Lajami was sent-off after just 17 minutes.