Real Madrid Director of Sport Jorge Valdano defended the club's striker Cristiano Ronaldo after Ronaldo was sent off during his side's 2-0 win at home to Malaga on Sunday night.

Ronaldo was sent off after 70 minutes of the 2-0 for breaking the nose of Malaga defender Mtiglia with his elbow as the defender tried to stop him running with the ball.

Despite the action, Valdano believes Ronaldo was unfairly treated.

"A referee has to know who wants to put on a show and who wants to try and stop that," he told TV station Canal Plus early on Monday morning.

"Cristiano tries to play football, he wants to play and when they pull him back he tried to shake himself free because he wants to play. Others would dive to the floor to simulate a foul," said Valdano.

It is the second time Ronaldo has been sent off since joining Real Madrid last summer, but Valdano believes the player is not to blame for his actions.

"Rather than Cristiano having to adapt to Spanish football, what referees have to do is reflect about who tries to entertain so as not give an advantage to those who try and stop that," he said.

Malaga President Fernando Sanz had a different view of the incident.

"It's a clear sending off. I'm sure he doesn't want to hurt him, but he lashes out with his elbow and breaks his nose. Rather than leaving the pitch with his arms up for the fans, he should apologise to the companion whose nose he has broken," said Sanz.