Published 12:43, 22 January 2024 GMT| Last updated 12:46, 22 January 2024 GMT

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Cristiano Ronaldo was allegedly involved in a furious tunnel bust-up after being called “ugly” by an opponent.

As well as his abilities on the pitch, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner prides himself on his appearance and was said to be fuming back in March 2009 when an opposition player made a comment.

Ronaldo lined up for Manchester United against Newcastle at St James’ Park in a game where the Red Devils came from a goal down to win 2-1.

But before half-time, Ronaldo was involved in an incident with Newcastle defender Steven Taylor.

Taylor was booked for a challenge on Michael Carrick but he also committed a foul which left Portugal’s record goalscorer Ronaldo in a heap on the turf near the advertising boards.

Rio Ferdinand was shown a yellow card by Steve Bennett for his protests over the decision.

According to The Guardian, an incensed Ronaldo called Taylor “a rubbish footballer” as both sets of players made their way to the changing rooms.

Taylor is said to have responded by saying “I know, but you are still ugly.”

Some reports claimed Ferdinand tried to play peacemaker while others said that he was actually getting into it with Taylor.

Taylor, however, was adamant that there was no war of words between the two of them.

As per the Evening Chronicle, he said: “There was no bust-up with Ronaldo.

“I shook hands with him at the end of the game.”

Ronaldo rates his looks highly and described himself as “good looking” in an infamous talk TV interview with Piers Morgan in 2022.

Asked about having more followers than the Kardashians, he said: “It’s good. It’s good. I feel proud for that. It means a lot for me because it means that people like me too. I’m charismatic, I think – why I’m the number one? Sometimes I ask that question to myself. Why me? And not another one?

“To be honest, not just only because I play good football, because everyone knows but I think the rest is relevant.

“You have to be charismatic, people have to feel some connection with you. I think to be good looking helps too!”