Ronaldo Suspended for Alleged Offensive Gesture
Cristiano Ronaldo, playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, has been suspended for one match following an allegedly offensive gesture made during a Saudi Championship match.
The incident occurred after Al-Nassr’s 3-2 victory over Riyadh rivals Al-Shabab, where video footage showed Ronaldo making a gesture towards Al-Shabab supporters, amidst chants of “Messi”, referencing his longtime rival Lionel Messi.
The Saudi Football Federation’s Disciplinary and Ethics Committee announced the suspension on social media, along with a fine of 20,000 Saudi riyals ($5,333) to Al-Shabab to cover complaint costs, with half of that amount going to the Federation. The decision is not subject to appeal.
Although Ronaldo claimed it was a victory gesture common in Europe, the incident drew criticism from former players and commentators in Saudi Arabia.
This isn’t the first time Ronaldo has courted controversy at Al-Nassr; previously, he was involved in an incident where he appeared to grab his genitals as fans chanted Messi’s name.
Despite the suspension, Ronaldo remains a key player for Al Nassr, having scored 22 league goals since joining the club in December 2022. He opened the scoring against Al Shabab with a penalty in the match in question.
Additionally, Al Nassr is currently in the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League, a competition they have never won.
Additional source: AfricaNews
