Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for one match for making an alleged offensive gesture during a Saudi Arabia league game while playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. The suspension was announced in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the match took place.
FILE - Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr Cristiano Ronaldo reacts in a match with Iran’s Persepolis during their AFC Champions League soccer match at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo has come under heavy criticism after seemingly making an offensive gesture following Al Nassr’s 3-2 victory over Al Shabab in a Saudi Pro League match on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
Background chants of “Messi,” referencing Ronaldo’s longstanding soccer rival Lionel Messi, could be heard. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star will also have to pay a fine of 20,000 Saudi Riyals to Al-Shabab, to cover the costs of the club filing the complaint, and half of that amount to the federation.
According to reports in the Saudi Arabia media, the 39-year-old told the committee that the gesture was one of victory and common in Europe.