Cristiano Ronaldo suspended for one match for obscene gesture in Saudi league game

Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for one match after allegedly making an offensive gesture during a Saudi Arabia league game while playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

Following the final whistle on Sunday, social media videos showed Ronaldo cupping his ear and repeatedly pumping his hand forward in front of his pelvis. The action appeared to be aimed at rival Al Shabab supporters.

In the background, chants of “Messi” could be heard, referring to Ronaldo’s long-time football rival from Argentina. The committee determined that the Portuguese star would have to pay a fine of 10,000 Saudi riyals ($2,666) to the Saudi Football Federation and 20,000 riyals to Al-Shabab to cover the costs of the complaint filing fees.

The committee stated that the decision is not subject to appeal. In April of last year, the 39-year-old Ronaldo appeared to grab his genitals on his way to the dugout after Al Nassr’s 2-0 league loss to Al Hilal.

Ronaldo, 39, has previously received similar criticism. In April of last year, during a league match against Al Hilal that Al Nassr lost 2-0, he was seen appearing to grab his genitals while walking towards the dugout after the game. Earlier this month, in the Riyadh Season Cup final, which Al Nassr also lost 2-0 to Al Hilal, Ronaldo grabbed an Al Hilal scarf thrown at him from the stands, briefly placed it in his shorts, and then discarded it as he made his way to the tunnel.

Ronaldo, who signed with Al Nassr as a free agent in late 2022, currently leads the Saudi league scoring charts with 22 goals in 20 appearances this season. Al Nassr are second in the table with 52 points, four points behind Al Hilal, who has one game in hand.