GOLDEN BALLS-UP:

Cristiano Ronaldo's bizarre Old Trafford substitution leaves Alex Ferguson bemused (Rod Gilmour, 06 Dec 2008, Daily Telegraph)

On 65 minutes and having already missed an open goal, Ronaldo clutched his ribs following a challenge by Andy Reid.

Moments later, clearly unable to play on, he put the ball out of play and hobbled off the pitch.

The European Footballer of the Year did not even wait for a replacement to get stripped before making his own way towards the dressing rooms.

Sir Alex Ferguson watched bemused from the directors' box - the Scot is serving a two-match touchline ban - and was quickly on the phone as Ronaldo headed off the pitch.

Geez...he's soft even for a soccer player.

Posted by Orrin Judd at December 6, 2008 7:43 PM