Top ref claims Ronaldo cheats

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo has been lambasted by a top official for always trying to con referees.

Claus Bo Larsen, who took charge of his final European game this week between Ajax and AC Milan, officiated in the 2008/09 Champions League semi-final first leg between Manchester United and Arsenal which ended 1-0 in United's favour.

He told the Daily Mirror that then United star Ronaldo is the "most irritating player" he has handled during his 14-year career and because the Portuguese is "always out to get a cheap free-kick, especially at home."

"We tended to talk in the referee's room before games about how he would go down easily. We know not to be biased, but we have to be prepared," he was quoted in the Daily Mirror as saying.

"He has a clean slate at the start of every game. When he would lie down after failing to win a free-kick, he would smile at me because he knew I didn't fall for his stunts."

The Danish referee had kinder words for United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, although he did admit that the fiery Scot can be unpredictable at times.

"I have a good relationship with Ferguson, even though he is always screaming and shouting at referees," he said.

"I'll never forget him coming to hammer on my dressing-room door after a Champions League game at Old Trafford. He simply said: 'That was the best refereeing performance in many years.' It was great."

Bo Larsen has been FIFA-listed referee since 1996 and is classified as a FIFA Top Class Referee.

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