Ronaldo suspended one match for pulling opponent's hair

SAO PAULO (AP) -- Ronaldo was suspended for one match by a Brazilian sports tribunal on Tuesday for pulling the hair and pinching an opponent in a Brazilian league match.

The three-time world player of the year, who could have been suspended for up to three matches, will not be allowed to play in Corinthians' Brazilian league match against rival Santos on Sunday.

Ronaldo was already expected to miss the match because of a right calf injury.

The tribunal voted to suspend Ronaldo after TV images showed him grabbing the hair and pinching defender Fahel in a ball dispute inside the area in a scoreless draw against Botafogo on May 17. Ronaldo was retaliating for Fahel grabbing his jersey.

The referee did not see the play and none of the players received cards.

Ronaldo injured his right leg in the 1-0 win against Fluminense in the first leg of the Brazilian Cup quarterfinals on May 13. He will also miss Corinthians' semifinal against Vasco on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old striker returned to competitive football in March after more than a year sidelined because of the third serious knee injury of his career.

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