In Summary
- Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for one match
- The committee said that the decision was not open to appeal.
- The five-time Ballon d’Or winner reacted to those in the stands.
Al-Nassr captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has reportedly received a one-game suspension and a fine of 10,000 Riyals ($2,666) for his inappropriate gesture during the Saudi Pro League game against Al-Shabab.
The 39-year-old, known for his prolific goal-scoring prowess, found himself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons this time, by responding with a crude gesture after opposition fans chanted Lionel Messi’s name.
After Al-Nassr defeated Riyadh rival Al-Shabab 3-2 on Sunday, video footage appeared to show Ronaldo cupping his ear and repeatedly thrusting his hand forward near his pelvis, in a gesture that seemed to be aimed at Al-Shabab fans
READ also:Ronaldo’s Wife Georgina Wins Lawsuit
Ronaldo Banned
Since his move to the Middle East, Ronaldo has often faced jeers and taunts from opposing fans, particularly those invoking his long-standing rivalry with the Argentine veteran.
The Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF) committee announced the ban on social media early Thursday morning local time. Al-Nassr’s next league game is at home to Al-Hazm on Thursday.
The committee said that the decision was not open to appeal.
READ also:Saudi Arabia certain to host 2034 FIFA World Cup
Ronaldo’s Woes
It is not the first time that the Portuguese forward has been at the center of controversy since joining Al-Nassr.
Last April, upon leaving the field after a game against Al-Hilal, Ronaldo appeared to grab his genitals as fans chanted Messi’s name.
On that occasion, Al-Nassr said that the forward had sustained a groin injury in the match.
Ronaldo, who moved to the Riyadh based club in December 2022, has a league-leading 22 goals. His scored the opener against Al Shabab, a first-half penalty.
Al Nassr is also in the quarterfinals of the Asian Champions League a tournament it has never won.
