Al-Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a one-match ban for “inciting fans” following their victory over Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League.
The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend performed the rude gesture during the clash between Al-Nassr and Al-Shabab.
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Despite Ronaldo’s pivotal role in Al-Nassr’s 3-2 win against their Riyadh rivals on Sunday, video evidence captured him seemingly responding to Al-Shabab supporters with provocative gestures.
The footage showed Cristiano Ronaldo cupping his ear and making repeated hand motions near his pelvis, allegedly in reaction to chants referencing his longtime rival Lionel Messi.
The Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF) has imposed a ban on Ronaldo, ruling him out of Al-Nassr’s upcoming match against Al-Hazm.
Additionally, he has been fined £4,190, with half of the amount allocated to Al-Shabab to cover their complaint costs and the remainder to the federation. The decision is final and not subject to appeal.
Although the incident was not captured by television cameras, eyewitnesses reported Ronaldo’s actions, including his celebratory gestures after scoring a penalty in the 21st minute.
Despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s explanation to the committee that the gestures were customary in Europe and meant to signify victory, the committee deemed them unacceptable.
