Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a one-match suspension after appearing to make an obscene gesture in Al Nassr’s 3-2 win over Al Shabab.
The Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Football Federation (SAFF) made the decision after video footage showed Ronaldo, 39, cupping his ear in what appeared to be the direction of Al Shabab fans before repeatedly thrusting his hand forward near his pelvis.
Chants of “Messi” could be heard in the footage that was circulated online, referencing Ronaldo’s long-standing sporting rivalry with Argentine footballer Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo has been ordered to pay a fine of 10,000 Saudi riyals (€2,462, $2,666) to the Saudi Football Federation, and a further 20,000 Saudi riyals to Al Shabab to cover the costs of the complaint filing fees.
The committee added that the decision would not be subject to an appeal, meaning Ronaldo will miss Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League clash against Al Hazem on Thursday.
In April 2023, Ronaldo appeared to grab his genitals following Al Nassr’s two-goal defeat against Al Hilal, with chants of “Messi” from Al Hilal’s fans audible in that footage. Al Nassr said at the time that the Portugal international had sustained a groin injury during that match.
Ronaldo has scored 34 goals in 35 appearances this season for Al Nassr, who are second in the Saudi Pro League — seven points behind leaders Al Hilal — and who are in the quarter finals of the Asian Champions League.
GO DEEPER
One year of Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia
(Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Daniel Miller is a sports fanatic who lives and breathes athletics. His coverage spans from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis for sports enthusiasts.
