Cristiano Ronaldo Red Card Against Bilbao Results In 3-Match Ban, Will Play In Copa Del Rey

After receiving a red card in Real Madrid's recent 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao, 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or Award winner Cristiano Ronaldo was slapped with a three-game ban for actions deemed inappropriate by game officials. The 29-year-old was involved in a confrontation with Bilbao teammates Carlos Gurpegi and Ander Iturraspe where he raised a hand during the exchange and made a poor gesture while leaving the pitch. Despite drawing the penalty that will stretch over three games, the international superstar will be available for the upcoming Copa del Rey semifinal against La Liga rival Atletico Madrid.

Though CR7 and many Real higher ups expected some kind of penalty to come from the episode, Bernabeu boss Carlo Ancelotti was confident that Ronaldo would be at his disposal for the highly anticipated Copa del Rey semifinal, especially since he didn't think the gesture made was that bad. “I don't think we'll have to wait for the committee's decision because I'm sure his ban won't be serious,” Ancelotti said Tuesday. “Cristiano will start the game Wednesday. I don't think it was such bad gesture. The player was unhappy because the red was an exaggeration after he received the provocation he receives in every game. He's provoked and fouled so much in every game.”

The ban was officially handed down as a two-part penalty, with one game given to Ronaldo for violent conduct and two additional games delivered for disrespecting the match officials. The suspension will begin on Feb. 9 against Villareal, with Ronaldo missing matches on Feb. 16 and Feb. 23 against Elche and Getafe. Due to the start date of the ban, Real Madrid will enjoy the services of one of the games premier scorers throughout the Copa del Rey. In 21 Spanish Primera Division matches this season, the Madeira, Portugal native – who will lead his native team at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil this summer -- has recorded 22 goals and 6 assists on 161 total shots.

His presence alone and strong ability to score quickly will surely be a useful tool when Real enters the opening leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal against rival Atletico Madrid, the same Atletico team that upended Ronaldo's side in the 2012-2013 Copa del Rey Final.