Valladolid sack coach after protests against Ronaldo

Real Valladolid parted with coach Paulo Pezzolano on Sunday after a 5-0 thrashing by Atletico Madrid in which some supporters protested against majority owner Ronaldo Nazario.

Valladolid are bottom of the table, four points from safety and have just two wins from their first 15 league games.

"The paths of Real Valladolid and Paulo Pezzolano have separated," said the club in a statement.

"The Uruguayan coach will not continue at Pucela after 70 matches across three seasons."

Pezzolano, appointed in April 2023 and unable to prevent them being relegated from La Liga, helped Valladolid earn promotion back to the top flight last season.

Some fans protested against Ronaldo, the former Brazil great, during the defeat at the Jose Zorrilla stadium by Atletico.

A few supporters held up a banner reading "Ronaldo go home", while some walked out when the team fell 3-0 behind against Atletico in the first half.