Cristiano Ronaldo fans show support in Denmark despite Portugal absence

Cristiano Ronaldo was backed by Portugal supporters during their UEFA Nations League match against Denmark, despite leaving the national team camp after a dispute with manager Jorge Jesus.

Portugal travelled to face Denmark at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on Thursday in the third round of the competition’s group stage. It was the team’s first match since the disagreement between Ronaldo and Jesus, which led to the captain departing the squad on Wednesday.

Some Portugal fans displayed a banner bearing Ronaldo’s name alongside a heart symbol, offering their support for the forward during the latest dispute. The gesture came as the player was absent from the match in Copenhagen.

Other supporters had reportedly directed their anger at Jesus earlier in the day. According to reports, the manager was booed by some fans as he left the team hotel with the squad to travel to the stadium.

Jesus said he would explain everything that happened between himself and Ronaldo after Portugal’s next match, against Norway on Sunday. That game will be played in the fourth round of the Nations League group stage.

Ronaldo returned to Madrid after leaving Portugal’s training camp on Wednesday. His departure followed a dispute over his involvement in the team’s previous match against Norway in the second round of the competition.

The Portugal captain decided to leave the camp only hours after Jesus said he had the final authority over team decisions. The manager also acknowledged that he had failed to honour a promise to Ronaldo that the forward would play part of the match against Norway.

Ronaldo’s absence in Denmark therefore marked the first Portugal fixture since the disagreement became public, while the support from sections of the travelling fans showed that he continued to have a strong connection with the national team’s followers.