Chris Sutton has slammed Cristiano Ronaldo as a cheat after the superstar won a penalty for Portugal against Ghana at the World Cup in Qatar last night.

The recently released Manchester United man opened the scoring from the spot as his country defeated their African opponents 3-2 in their group opener.

Ronaldo went down under the challenge of defender Mohammed Salisu, and despite VAR checks the referee stuck with his initial call.

As a result of his goal, Ronaldo became the only man to score in five World Cup competitions, but Sutton was quick to criticise the Portuguese star.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: "Look it is not the first time is it. I have to say the VAR officials are absolute bottle jobs.

"It isn't good play by Ronaldo. It is a terrible example to young kids everwhere around the world. Everyone will be tumbling over.

"He is a great player. But it was cheating. I thought the officials had to be stronger.

"It was embarrassing really how they missed it. I was at the Brazil game and I saw the footage. Blimey - you don't have to watch it many times to see that he went over.

"Totally manufactured. Out of order. The VAR officials shouldn't miss that.

"I was reading comments saying it was a penalty. It is ridiculous and cheating.

"I know he has his fans within the media and around the world but come on. That was awful."

Meanwhile, Celtic have been ranked as outsiders for a potential transfer for Ronaldo after his Old Trafford release.

The Portuguese frontman said it felt like “the right time for a new challenge” after his contract with the Premier League side was terminated.

Ronaldo's position at Old Trafford looked untenable after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which he criticised manager Erik ten Hag and club officials.

Sky Bet have released a list of possible next moves for Ronaldo as he searches for the next stage of his career.

Celtic are 50/1 outsiders, while Chelsea are currently 11/4 favourites.

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