Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for one match after appearing to make an obscene gesture during a match in Saudi Arabia.
Footage on social media appeared to show Ronaldo cupping his ear and repeatedly thrusting his hand forward near his pelvis.
The incident happened on Sunday, minutes after Ronaldo’s team al Nassr beat al Shabab 3-2 in the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo’s gesture appeared to be aimed at rival supporters, who could be heard charting “Messi” in reference to the 39-year-old’s long-standing rival.
The suspension was announced late on Wednesday night. Al Nassr’s next league game is on Thursday.
Ronaldo also has to pay a fine of 20,000 Saudi riyals (£4,210) and the decision is not open to an appeal, the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Arabia Football Federation said.
While the former Real Madrid player’s gesture wasn’t televised, footage shot by fans in the ground was shared on social media – and it didn’t take long for the footballer’s actions to be met with criticism.
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Ronaldo approached the rival supporters’ area after Al Nassr secured their win. Pic: Reuters
Waleed al Farraj, a prominent Saudi writer and television host, wrote on X: “The disciplinary committee is facing the biggest test. We will wait and see.
“Everything has its limits, no matter how famous you are. This is how the major leagues are.”
Ronaldo joined al Nassr as a free agent in late 2022 and this isn’t the first time his on-pitch actions have faced scrutiny in the ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia.
In April last year, he appeared to grab his genitals as he made his way to the dugout after his team lost a game.
At the Riyadh Season Cup final earlier this month, he put a rival team scarf in his shorts after it was thrown at him as he walked towards the tunnel.
Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia came shortly after an acrimonious split from Manchester United.
The forward’s salary at al Nassr has not been publicly confirmed but it is rumoured he is being paid upwards of £160m a year – making him the highest-paid footballer in history.
Cristiano Ronaldo is a disgrace to the sport. His obscene gesture was uncalled for and disrespectful to his opponents. He deserves to be suspended and fined heavily. I hope this sends a message to other players that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated.
I’m glad to see that Ronaldo is being punished for his actions. This sends a clear message that players need to be held accountable for their behavior on and off the field. Hopefully, this will deter other players from making similar gestures in the future.
It’s interesting to note that Ronaldo’s gesture is considered obscene in some cultures but not in others. This highlights the importance of cultural awareness in sports and the need to be respectful of different customs.
I don’t think Ronaldo’s gesture was that bad. It was just a bit of fun and games. I don’t see why he’s being punished so severely for it.
Oh, the irony! Ronaldo is always complaining about how he’s treated unfairly, but now he’s the one being punished for his own bad behavior. I guess karma has a way of catching up with you eventually.
I’m not surprised that Ronaldo is being suspended. He’s always been a hothead and he’s finally crossed the line. I hope this teaches him a lesson.
Well, well, well, look who’s in trouble now! Ronaldo, the great and mighty, has finally been caught with his pants down. I wonder if his fans will still defend him now.
I think Ronaldo is being treated too harshly. It was just a silly gesture. I’m sure he didn’t mean to offend anyone.
It’s good to see that Ronaldo is being held accountable for his actions. I hope this sends a message to other players that they can’t get away with bad behavior.
I’m disappointed in Ronaldo. He’s supposed to be a role model for young people, and this kind of behavior is unacceptable.
Ronaldo is a disgrace to the sport. He should be banned for life.
I don’t think Ronaldo’s gesture was that bad. It was just a bit of fun. I don’t see why he’s being punished so severely for it.