‘Was that a penalty?’- Twitter divides over Cristiano Ronaldo's controversial penalty at FIFA World Cup 2022

On 24 November 2022, Portugal kicked off their FIFA World Cup campaign in Stadium 974 against Ghana. All eyes were on Cristiano Ronaldo after his recent viral explosive interview regarding his former club, Manchester United. He blamed the club and the Head Coach for betraying him this season so far. However, on 22 November 2022, Manchester United confirmed the exit of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The official statement from the club read: "Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect. The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well in the future. Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch."

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a penalty as Portugal defeated Ghana by 3-2 in FIFA World Cup 2022

After that, Ronaldo also issued a statement. “Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early. I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge. I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future." Cristiano Ronaldo concluded. So, fans were eagerly waiting to see Ronaldo in action in the World Cup opener. However, Ronaldo turned up to the occasion as the skipper. 

Speaking of the match, the first half ended in a goalless draw. But, in the 63rd minute, Cristiano Ronaldo was fouled in the penalty area. The Portuguese superstar fell to the ground following a tackle from Mohammed Salisu. Then, the referee awarded a penalty to Portugal and there was no subsequent VAR check. Then, Ronaldo converted that chance from the spot, and thus, he became the first ever layer to score in five World Cups. However, the match ended in favour of Portugal as they defeated Ghana by 3-2. But, fans were divided over social media platforms regarding that controversial penalty decision.

Here is how fans were divided over the controversial penalty decision involving Cristiano Ronaldo in FIFA World Cup 2022:

No, that shouldn't have been given as a penalty, Ronaldo dived pic.twitter.com/cyMmke2Mcx

— Has the Referee or VAR made a good decision? (@PoorEPLreferees) November 24, 2022

Bad officiating, he awarded Ronaldo tackle as a penalty and what about this one,,,, pic.twitter.com/quOHKevGku

— Patrick B. Pagasty (@patrick2boak) November 25, 2022

The goals scored by Ronaldo and Messi in the #WorldcupQatar2022 are Penalties, nothing separates the both of them yet 😅. Who will score an actual goal first? 👀 pic.twitter.com/QAt3uY5tXZ

— GREATMAN® (@OpukemeC) November 25, 2022

The Ghana Football Association petitions FIFA about the conduct of US referee Ismail Elfath after his key decisions including Ronaldo’s penalty , Rafael Leao’s offside goal and failure to check VAR . pic.twitter.com/RSl6j8IsEC

— Joel Boadi Surprising (@BoadiSurprising) November 25, 2022

The one who convert a fraudulent penalty and the one gave two goals assist in the match who deserves the man of the match award?

It's clear Ronaldo has greezed palms of FiFa officials pic.twitter.com/08x0zlWNxc

— üsüf💧 (@margin_ofsafety) November 25, 2022

Dear @FIFAWorldCup @FIFAcom please can you come out and explain why The VAR was not used here and in the Ronaldo penalty incident? pic.twitter.com/T6eH9SSfGd

— Antony (@DaveMonney) November 25, 2022

You guys at @FIFAcom this is a shame of a penalty.
Shameful

I can understand why Ghana would feel like World Cup injustice follows them around. First Suarez, then Ronaldo. pic.twitter.com/mAt2F78SvG

— SAD BOY 😢🥺😩😢😭 (@MujeebKaly1) November 24, 2022

Only when Ronaldo is playing a penalty can be awarded with NO VAR check. pic.twitter.com/I6TrmH4bis

— xperience💫🇳🇬 (@Popoolavictor6) November 24, 2022