Saudi Arabia: Cristiano Ronaldo is banned for one game after a derogatory gesture

2/29/2024, 6:23:45 AM

Highlights: Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned for one game for making an obscene gesture. The Portuguese star made the gesture during Al-Nasr's 3-2 win over Al-Hilal. The Saudi Football Association has launched an investigation into the incident. The incident was caught on camera and circulated on the internet. Ronaldo leads the league's scoring charts with 22 goals so far this season. He is four points ahead of Al Hilal, who are second in the table. The match was played at the King Fahad Stadium in Mecca.

When Saudi spectators chanted against his old rival Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo became enraged. The Portuguese football star has now received a penalty for an obscene gesture.

Enlarge image

Cristiano Ronaldo in the Al-Nassr jersey

Photo: Yasser Bakhsh / Getty Images

Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for one game after a gesture that was perceived as obscene.

This was announced by the Saudi Arabian Football Association.

Ronaldo's gesture caused great excitement and criticism in Saudi Arabia.

Videos circulating online showed the 39-year-old Portuguese apparently gesturing towards opposing fans and making hand movements in his lumbar area after his team Al-Nassr's 3-2 win against Al Shabab on Sunday.

He had previously put his hand to his ear.

Indignant reactions online

In the videos, shouts of “Messi” can be heard from the stands.

Lionel Messi is Ronaldo's long-time rival, especially when it comes to awards for individual achievements.

According to media reports, the scene was not shown on TV, but videos of it quickly circulated on the Internet and caused outraged reactions.

The Saudi Football Association then launched an investigation.

Ronaldo scored from a penalty in the first half of the win and leads the league's top scorer list with 22 goals.

Al Nassr is in second place in the table, four points behind Al Hilal.

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