Celebrity
Cristiano Ronaldo Suspended For One Match Over Alleged Offensive Gesture In Saudi League Game
Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for one match after allegedly making an insulting gesture during a Saudi Arabia league game while playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
Following Al-Nassr’s 3-2 victory against Riyadh rival Al-Shabab on Sunday, video footage appeared to show Ronaldo cupping his ear and repeatedly thrusting his palm forward near his groin, seemingly intended at Al-Shabab fans.
Cristiano Ronaldo Suspended For One Match Over Alleged Offensive Gesture In Saudi League Game
Background cries of “Messi,” referring to Ronaldo’s longtime soccer adversary Lionel Messi, could be heard.
The Saudi Arabia Football Federation’s (SAFF) Disciplinary and Ethics Committee confirmed the social media ban early Thursday morning. Al-Nassr’s next league match is at home against Al-Hazm on Thursday.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United player will also be required to pay a fine of 20,000 Saudi Riyals ($5,333) to Al-Shabab to cover the club’s costs in filing the complaint and half of that amount to the Federation.
Cristiano Ronaldo Suspended For One Match Over Alleged Offensive Gesture In Saudi League Game
The committee stated that the verdict was not susceptible to appeal.
While the incident was not captured on television, Ronaldo’s antics, which included a first-half penalty, were extensively criticized in Saudi Arabia by former players and commentators.
According to Saudi media sources, the 39-year-old told the committee that the gesture represented success and was typical in Europe.
Since joining Al-Nassr, the Portuguese forward has been at the heart of controversy several times. Ronaldo looked to grasp his genitals when leaving the pitch following a game against Al-Hilal in April while supporters screamed Messi’s name. On that occasion, Al-Nassr stated that the forward suffered a groin injury during the encounter.
Cristiano Ronaldo Suspended For One Match Over Alleged Offensive Gesture In Saudi League Game
Cristiano, who joined the Riyadh-based club in December 2022, currently leads the league with 22 goals. He opened the scoring against Al Shabab with a first-half penalty.
Al Nassr is also in the quarterfinals of the Asian Champions League, which it has never won.
SOURCE – (AP)
