CRISTIANO RONALDO was praised for his “unreal sportsmanship” after he remarkably told the referee he was NOT fouled when winning a penalty.

The Al-Nassr forward, 38, went down in the second minute of his side’s AFC Champions League clash with Iranian side Persepolis.

Cristiano Ronaldo went down under a challenge from a Persepolis defender

Ronaldo wagged his finger following the penalty being awarded

He remarkably walked over towards the referee to try and overturn the decision

Ronaldo told the official it was not a spot-kick

He could be seen saying ‘no pen’ to the referee

The referee pointed rapidly to the place, and the scenes that followed astounded the audience.

The Manchester United legend, Ronaldo, disregarded the call for a spot kick right away by waving his finger.

He then proceeded to walk over to the official and could be seen saying “no pen”.

A VAR check followed and the penalty decision was overturned.

But Ronaldo’s actions were not forgotten by viewers as they hailed his behaviour.

One said: “This is why he’s my goat”

Another added: “Unreal sportsmanship.”

A third replied: “Respect!!! This guy is winning me over on a daily basis.”

While a fourth responded: “What a man! This is the kind of mentality that separates him. Ronaldo is the best both in attitude and character.

“Rarely do you see Ronaldo fighting with the young stars demanding unnecessary respect and honour. Respect is earned. Thank you for demonstrating honesty and morality. You are the authentic GOAT😊.”

And a fifth said: “Wow!! Just wow. A true athlete.”

But Ronaldo may have regretted his sporting gesture later in the game as Al-Nassr failed to break down the visitors as they played out a goalless draw.

This season, Ronaldo has participated in eighteen games, netting eighteen goals and providing nine assists.

In the Saudi Pro League rankings, they are presently four points behind Al-Hilal.

Robbie Fowler challenged a penalty awarded to Liverpool against Arsenal in 1997, but the referee’s decision stood.