Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a one-match ban for making an obscene gesture following a win for his Al Nassr crew in Saudi Arabia.
The 39-year-old Ronaldo responded to “Messi” chants from rival Al Shabab supporters by turning in the direction of them, cupping his ear and repeatedly pumping his hand ahead in entrance of his pelvic space.
The gesture was not caught on tv cameras however circulated on-line, sparking criticism from pundits in Saudi Arabia and an investigation from Saudi Soccer Federation’s disciplinary and ethics committee.
The committee dominated that Ronaldo had been discovered to be “‘upsetting followers’ or ‘inciting followers” along with his gesture in the direction of the Al Shabab supporters.
Ronaldo has been suspended for one league match, whereas he has additionally been fined 30,000 SAR (£6,000).
Ronaldo had opened the scoring however Al Nassr required a late winner from Talisca to beat Al Shabab 3-2, who taunted Ronaldo with chants of “Messi” – in reference of his long-time soccer rival.
It’s not the primary time Ronaldo has been embroiled in controversy since transferring to Saudi Arabia.
In April final yr, he appeared to seize his genitals whereas on his technique to the dugout following the tip of a league recreation in opposition to Al Hilal, which Al Nassr misplaced 2-0.
Earlier this month, he picked up an Al Hilal scarf thrown at him from the stands, put it in his shorts after which threw it away as he walked in the direction of the tunnel after Al Nassr misplaced 2-0 within the Riyadh Season Cup closing.
Ronaldo will miss Al Nassr’s match in opposition to Al-Hazm
(Getty Photos)
After this newest incident, distinguished pundits in Saudi Arabia referred to as for Ronaldo to be punished.
“The disciplinary committee is going through the largest take a look at. We are going to wait and see,” Waleed Al Farraj, a tv host, stated on social media platform X. “Every little thing has its limits, irrespective of how well-known you’re. That is how the foremost leagues are.”
Al Nassr’s subsequent match is at this time, a house fixture in opposition to Al-Hazm. Ronaldo, who moved to the Riyadh-based membership in December 2022, has a league-leading 22 targets,
Al Nassr trails fellow league chief Al Hilal by seven factors, whereas they’re additionally within the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League.
Contains reporting from Reuters and AP
