Al Nassr Defend Ronaldo As Saudi Arabian Fans Want Him Expelled From the Country

• Cristiano Ronaldo found himself in hot water after his reaction to 'Messi' chants
• Football fans in Saudi Arabia wanted Ronaldo to be expelled from the country
• Al-Nassr have defended their Portuguese star and explained his recent actions

Al-Nassr have come out in defence of Cristiano Ronaldo amid mass fan backlash against the Portuguese star.

Ronaldo has been criticised by many fans in Saudi Arabia after Al-Nassr’s game against Al-Hilal.

Fans were upset with the player after his reaction to the Messi chants ringing around the stadium during the game.

As noted by The Mirror, Ronaldo seemingly grabbed his crotch in the direction of opposition supporters after they started chanting his long-time rival's name as a form of trolling.

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The obscene gesture has drawn widespread criticism in the Islamic country, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

Soon afterwards, 'expelling the fan's abuser' started trending online as fans in the country called for Ronaldo to be expelled. His club have now come out in defence of the player, saying the incident was blown out of proportion.

Al-Nassr attributed the veteran's actions to a ‘sensitive injury in the groin region,’ Goal reported.

The club's board spoke to a journalist about the incident and explained why Ronaldo did what he did, according to a statement which he revealed in a statement.

"Ronaldo suffers from an injury. His challenge with Gustavo Cuellar, the Al-Hilal player, started with a blow in a very sensitive area. As for the fans’ explanations, they are free to think whatever they want," the statement read.

Ronaldo's apparently lewd gesture was not the first time he reacted angrily to fans chanting Messi’s name. Supporters have often wound up the player by using his rival’s name, since his move to the Middle East during his time in the country.

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Ronaldo taunted with Messi chants

Sports Brief also reported on Ronaldo being taunted by opposition fans during his side's 2-0 loss to Al-Hilal.

Opposition fans kept referencing the Al-Nassr captain's storied long-time on-field rivalry with Lionel Messi.

It was a frustrating night for Ronaldo, whose side was beaten to further dent any hopes of claiming the title.