Riyadh: The Saudi Football League has imposed a fine and one-match suspension on the renowned football star Cristiano Ronaldo, playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, for making inappropriate gestures towards fans while playing against Al-Shabab Club.
The incident occurred following Al Nassr’s 3-2 victory over their Riyadh rivals Al-Shabab on Sunday. Video footage emerged showing Ronaldo seemingly cupping his ear and making repeated thrusting motions near his pelvis, in response to chants from Al-Shabab fans.
According to details, during the match between Al-Shabab and Al-Nassr, fans chanted “Messi, Messi,” which angered the star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. Cristiano Ronaldo responded angrily with inappropriate gestures towards the fans.
The Portuguese forward’s gesture, deemed vulgar by many, has sparked uproar, prompting the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF) to announce the one-match suspension on Thursday morning. Ronaldo’s ban means he will miss Al Nassr’s upcoming league fixture against Al-Hazem on Thursday evening. Additionally, he has been fined 20,000 Saudi Riyals ($5,333), with half of the amount going to the federation.
In a statement quoted by Saudi Arabian publication Al-Riyadiya, Ronaldo expressed, “I respect all clubs. And the joy after the shot expresses strength and victory, and it is not shameful. We are used to it in Europe.”
Despite the suspension, Ronaldo’s contributions to Al Nassr have been significant, leading the league with 22 goals this season. He notably scored the opener in the match against Al-Shabab, converting a first-half penalty. Moreover, Al Nassr finds itself in the quarterfinals of the Asian Champions League, presenting an opportunity for the club to secure a prestigious title they have never won before.
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