Cristiano Ronaldo Reportedly Banned and Fined for Crude Gesture During Al Nassr League Game

Cristiano Ronaldo Reportedly Banned and Fined for Crude Gesture During Al Nassr League Game

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
updated at February 29, 2024 at 7:31 AM
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Cristiano Ronaldo logo
C. Ronaldo
Al Nassr FC logoFPortugal logo
Saudi Professional League logo
KSA Professional League
Saudi Arabia
Al Nassr FC logo
Al Nassr
Saudi Arabia
33
Al-Shabab FC logo
Al-Shabab FC
Saudi Arabia
30
Lionel Messi logo
L.Messi
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  • Cristiano Ronaldo has been penalised for his actions
  • The Al-Nassr veteran made a crude gesture in the SPL
  • Ronaldo has drawn criticism for his bizarre reaction

Al-Nassr captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has reportedly received a one-game suspension and a fine of 10,000 Riyals ($2,666) for his inappropriate gesture during the Saudi Pro League game against Al-Shabab.

The 39-year-old, known for his prolific goal-scoring prowess, found himself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons this time, by responding with a crude gesture after opposition fans chanted Lionel Messi's name.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr, banned, fined, suspended, penalised, Saudi Pro League, crude, gesture, obscene
Al-Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo laments a decision during an AFC Champions League game, with his recent crude gesture reaping punishment. Photo by Yasser Bakhsh.
Source: Getty Images

Since moving to the Middle East, Ronaldo has often faced jeers and taunts from opposing fans, particularly those invoking his long-standing rivalry with the Argentine veteran.

Ronaldo's 'wrong' reaction to Messi taunts

Although the veteran forward has previously brushed off such provocations with negligible responses, his actions during the game on Sunday, February 25, seem to have crossed the line.

Mimicking his infamous celebration from 2019, Ronaldo was seen gesturing towards his private area in apparent response to the taunts from Al-Shabab supporters, as cited by talkSPORT.

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Video footage of the Portuguese star's unsportsmanlike behaviour quickly began to circulate on social media, prompting calls for disciplinary action to set an example for others.

Ronaldo banned for obscene gesture

Responding to public outcry, the Saudi Football Federation's Disciplinary and Ethics Committee launched an investigation into the incident.

According to reports from Ali Aladallah, via The Mirror, Ronaldo has been handed a one-game suspension and fined in excess of 10,000 Saudi Riyals.

Consequently, he will miss Al-Nassr's upcoming match against Al Hazm on matchday 22 of the league.

After scoring in a 5-1 victory against the same opposition in the first round, the Saudi Pro League's current top scorer will be unable to increase his tally of 22 goals when they meet again on Thursday, February 29.

5 times Ronaldo reacted angrily to fans

After his reported suspension and fine due to his inappropriate behaviour, Sports Brief also examined five instances where Ronaldo reacted inappropriately.

Over the years, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has faced challenges from fans, especially those who aim to provoke him by referencing his GOAT rival, Messi.

Authors
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe photo
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and La Liga editor with five-year experience. He previously worked with Sports Corna and 360SportsGH.
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