Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a one-match suspension for an alleged obscene gesture during a Saudi Pro League game with Al Nassr. After their 3-2 win over Al-Shabab, a video surfaced showing Ronaldo making a provocative gesture towards rival fans. The Saudi Football Federation’s Disciplinary Committee announced the ban, along with a fine of 20,000 Saudi Riyals ($5,333) to Al-Shabab and half that amount to the federation. Ronaldo, formerly of Real Madrid and Manchester United, cannot appeal the decision.
Despite claiming the gesture was a common European celebration, this isn’t the first controversy for Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. Last April, he faced scrutiny for a similar incident after a game against Al-Hilal. Ronaldo, who joined the Riyadh-based club in December 2022, leads the league with 22 goals. His suspension means he’ll miss the next game against Al-Hazm, with Al-Nassr also competing in the Asian Champions League quarterfinals.
Cristiano Ronaldo faces suspension for alleged gesture during a Saudi Pro League match. 🚫⚽️ Despite his claims, the ban stands, impacting his team’s upcoming game and Asian Champions League quarterfinals. 🏆 #Ronaldo #SaudiLeague