Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for one match for making an alleged offensive gesture during a Saudi Arabia league game while playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
The committee announced the ban on Thursday, February 29, 2024, following video footage that 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.
The unfortunate incident happened on Sunday, minutes after Ronaldo’s team, Al Nassr, triumphed over Al Shabab 3-2 in the Saudi Pro League.
According to the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF), the former Real Madrid and Manchester United stars will also have to pay a fine of 20,000 Saudi Riyals ($5,333) to Al-Shabab to cover the costs of the club filing the complaint and half of that amount to the federation.
However, the 39-year-old Ronaldo told the committee that the gesture was one of victory and is common in Europe. Ronaldo team’s next league game is set to be held at home to Al-Hazm.
According to media reports in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has been criticised by nationals, including former Saudi Arabian strikers and commentators.
Reports from SAFFI indicate that it is not the first time for Ronaldo to be at the centre 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.
