FOOTBALL superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for one match in Saudi Arabia after appearing to make an obscene gesture following Al Nassr’s 3-2 Saudi Arabia Pro League win over Al Shabab.
The Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Football Federation (SAFF) announced the decision late last night after examining Al Shabab’s complaints.
After the final whistle on Sunday, social media videos showed 39-year-old Ronaldo cupping his ear before repeatedly pumping his hand forward in front of his crotch.
The action appeared to be directed at the rival Al Shabab supporters, who were taunting the Portugal captain.
In the background, chants of ‘Messi’ could be heard, as the fans attempted to rile Ronaldo up with the name of his rival of over 15 years, Lionel Messi, the Argentina captain.
Ronaldo and Messi have been fierce rivals for years, especially since they both played in the Spanish LaLiga for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.
Between them, they hold 13 Ballon d’Or trophies for the best player in the world, Ronaldo with five while the 36-year-old Messi has eight.
The disciplinary committee said Ronaldo would have to pay a fine of 10,000 Saudi riyals ($2,666) to the Saudi Football Federation, and 20,000 riyals to Al-Shabab to cover the costs of the complaint filing fees.
The committee said the decision is not subject to appeal.
In April last year, Ronaldo appeared to grab his genitals while on his way to the dugout following the end of a league game against Al Hilal, which Al Nassr lost 2-0.
During that game too, the rival fans were chanting ‘Messi’ to taunt Ronaldo. Ironically, Messi reportedly turned down a mega offer from Al Hilal to opt for a move to Inter Miami in the United States of America.
