Spanish Super Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo might miss a maximum of 12 games for referee shove

Real Madrid may suffer a major blow to their season as Cristiano Ronaldo could face a lengthy ban for his shove on referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.

The Portuguese star compounded Barcelona's defeat in the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday (13 August) at the Nou Camp when he scored a screamer to make it 2-1. Los Blancos then went on to add another to take Real Madrid to a commanding lead in the first leg.

Ronaldo celebrated his goal by taking his shirt off and flexing his muscles to an angry horde of Barcelona fans, which earned him a yellow card.

Just minutes later, however, he was adjudged to have dived when he tumbled down in the box while making contact with Samuel Umtiti, which resulted in a second yellow card.

In disbelief at his sending off, the 32-year-old reacted to Bengoetxea's decision by slightly shoving him on the back.

According to Goal, the official noted the incident down in his post-match report: "Player: Cristiano Ronaldo Dos Santos Aveiro. Once the red card was shown, the player pushed me slightly in a sign of disagreement."

Losing his cool could now cost Ronaldo, as Article 96 of the Spanish federation's rule book recommends that players who "grab, push or shake" a referee in a manner that is "slightly violent" should get a ban of four to 12 matches.

It is now up to the Spanish federation's competition committee to decide the number seven's punishment. As for now, Ronaldo will definitely miss the return leg of the Spanish Super Cup at the Bernabeu.

Further punishment would represent a huge blow with the La Liga champions set to begin the defence of their title on Monday (21 August) against Deportivo.