Real Madrid coach expects Cristiano Ronaldo to play Wednesday

Cristiano Ronaldo's gesture as he exited the field could add to a possible suspension. (David Ramos/Getty Images)

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti said he expects star forward Cristiano Ronaldo to play Wednesday despite getting a red card for a shove to the face of Lions captain Carlos Gurpegui at approximately the 75-minute mark of Sunday's 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilbao, according to a report from Associated Press writer Paul Logothertis.

A decision is expected on Wednesday as to whether the 28-year-old Ronaldo will receive what could be a four-game ban for making a mocking gesture as he exited the field. As Logothertis points out, adding on to a suspension for making an inappropriate gesture has been a precedent; in this case, Ronaldo slapped his cheek as if to indicate that the ref who awarded the red card was out of line.

Ancelotti  spoke on Tuesday and said he doesn't expect any possible ban to be serious, according to the report:

"I don't think we'll have to wait for the committee's decision because I'm sure his ban won't be serious. Cristiano will start the game tomorrow...I don't think it was such bad gesture. The player was unhappy because the red was an exaggeration after he received the provocation he receives in every game. He's provoked and fouled so much in every match."

WAHL: Real Madrid, Manchester United, Manchester City headline 8-team 2014 ICC field