Cristiano Ronaldo labelled 'ugly' but escapes punishment after kicking out at opponent for second week in a row

Ronaldo kicked opponents against Sporting Gijon and Real Betis

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Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been branded "ugly" after he kicked out at an opponent for the second week in a row.

The Portuguese, 30, again avoided what should have been a straight red card for the second week in a row after he kicked Francisco Molinero during Real Madrid's 1-1 draw with Real Betis on Sunday night.

The incident came a week after Ronaldo had kicked Sporting Gijon's Nacho Cases in the 5-1 win at the Bernabeu - he also avoided any punishment for that incident, even claiming it was accidental.

After the Sporting Gijon incident, Ronaldo admitted he shouldn't have done it but even boldly claimed that his opponent "would not have got up" if he had meant it.

"My kick out? It was instinctive," he said. "They could have shown me a yellow card.

"If I kicked him on purpose he would not have got up. I shouldn't have done it."

Speaking after the draw at Betis, Molinero complained that the incident was an "ugly gesture" from someone who has been struggling for form this season, despite his gaudy goal total.

"It was an ugly gesture by Ronaldo to kick out with his leg, "If the referee sees it, it’s an act of aggression.

I also give out fouls, I am not a saint, but the ball has to be there. Without the ball it is undue."

The Spanish FA are yet to comment on the incident at Betis but will not take action against Ronaldo for the incident against Sporting, as the referee dealt with it at the time.

It does not appear that the referee saw the incident this weekend as play continued, although the Spanish FA does not generally hand out retrospective action for incidents that went unseen.