“Refs don’t protect skillful players. I think about the Arsenal player [Eduardo] and I’m scared sometimes to do skills because some players do unbelievable fouls and the ref protects the defender, not the skilled player! It’s very disappointing and I’m thinking a lot about changing my game. When referees don’t give penalties, yellow cards or reds, it’s difficult to play.”
— Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo after a 1-0 loss to Portsmouth in the FA Cup in which he suffered repeated fouls and was denied a penalty kick call on one of them. Arsenal forward Eduardo suffered multiple leg fractures two weeks ago from a foul by Birmingham’s Martin Taylor. (ManU Website)