Saudi Pro League star Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a ban and fined for an alleged offensive gesture made during a recent match between Al-Nassr and Al-Shabab. The incident occurred as the 39-year-old football icon celebrated his team’s victory over their Riyadh rivals.
Video footage suggests Ronaldo made a provocative gesture towards Al-Shabab fans, accompanied by chants of “Messi,” referencing his rivalry with Argentine star Lionel Messi. The Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Arabia Football Federation announced Ronaldo’s punishment, which includes a ban from Al-Nassr’s next match and a fine of £4,190.
“The decision was not open to appeal,” stated Saudi chiefs, affirming the severity of the disciplinary action. While the incident was not captured by television cameras, Ronaldo’s response to the chants included gestures that have landed him in hot water with the league authorities.
Ronaldo reportedly defended his actions to the committee, claiming the gesture was a common celebration in Europe. This isn’t the first time Ronaldo has made headlines since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023. In a previous incident, he was seen making a similar gesture during a match with Al-Hilal, attributing it to a groin injury sustained during the game.
Despite these controversies, Ronaldo remains a dominant force in the Saudi Pro League, currently leading the league’s scoring charts with 22 goals. His contributions have propelled Al-Nassr to second place in the league standings, trailing Ruben Neves’ Al-Hilal by four points.
In addition to league success, Al-Nassr and Ronaldo are eyeing victory in the Asian Champions League. Ronaldo’s impact on the team extends beyond scoring goals, as he continues to attract attention both on and off the pitch.
