Real Madrid's Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo was furious with the treatment he received from Ivory Coast players yesterday.

Ronaldo was unhappy with the way that the referee let the Ivorians foul him without any punishment, stating that match officials should protect the best players on the field.

"Referees should protect the more skilful players when they are getting fouled by the opposition," Ronaldo told The Sun.

"One of their players fouled me in the first half and I got a yellow card for it. I don't understand it. When it is three against one, as it was with their players against me, it is not fair to book me.

"Sometimes it is difficult for me when referees give fouls because they think I dive."

Portugal manager Carlos Queiroz supported his star winger, stating that the referee make a poor decision when he booked Ronaldo.

"They don't protect talented footballers any more.

"The Ivory Coast players made intimidating tackles.

"Ronaldo was the victim of a bad decision."