Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly been punished by the Saudi FA after making an obscene gesture to fans chanting Lionel Messi's name.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Ronaldo was subject to more customary chants of his Argentine rival from opposition supporters on Sunday night. Al-Shabab fans sang for Messi throughout the Saudi Pro League clash which saw Ronaldo score in an eventual 3-2 win. However, a goal and three points were clearly not enough to soothe the Portugal star, who responded to such chants by gesturing towards his crotch in the direction of the home crowd. Ronaldo came in for immediate criticism and has now reportedly been punished.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
According to Saudi media, via the Daily Mail, Ronaldo has been hit with a two-match suspension for making the X-rated gesture, along with an undisclosed fine. While the monetary punishment will be of no worry to Ronaldo given his £175 million ($222m)-per-year salary, the ban will be a blow to him and his side. The Portuguese will now miss Thursday's league fixture against Al-Hazm and could also be absent for Al-Nassr's AFC Champions League quarter-final clash in a week's time.
DID YOU KNOW?
Ronaldo's reaction on Sunday was certainly surprising, not only because players tend to ignore abuse from rival fans but because Messi chants have become commonplace throughout his 14 months in the Middle East. It is also not the first time Ronaldo has faced backlash over an X-rated gesture, as he avoided punishment for grabbing his crotch back in April 2023.
WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?
While the details of the ban are yet to be finalised, Ronaldo is likely set for a spell on the sidelines. If reports from Saudi Arabia are correct, the Portuguese forward won't be back in action until March 7, when Al-Nassr host Al-Raed in the league.
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