In a scene that plays out over and over every Saturday, Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo remains frustrated at the rough treatment that teams employ to take away his time on the ball.

In a recent FA Cup game with Derby County, the 2008 FIFA World Footballer of the Year was photographed spitting in the direction of Robbie Savage after a nasty foul, although no disciplinary action was taken. Not one to shy away from a fracas, Ronaldo has also had run-ins with Middlesbrough's Emanuel Pogatetz, Stoke City's Andy Wilkinson and Tottenham's Michael Dawson, The Daily Telegraph documents.

Addressing the tactic outright as systematic fouling, Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson said he could understand his frustration, but reminded Ronaldo "that's the penalty for being a great player. He has to understand that." Read the original story...