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Cristiano Ronaldo is suspended for one game following an alleged obscene gesture during a match in Saudi Arabia.
Social internet footage appeared to show Ronaldo clutching his ear and repeatedly shoving his palm forward near his pelvis.
The incident occurred on Sunday, just minutes after Ronaldo’s team al Nassr defeated al Shabab 3-2 in the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo seems to be addressing the opposition supporters, who were audibly screaming “Messi,” a reference to the 39-year-old’s longtime foe.
Late on Wednesday night, the suspension went public. This Thursday is Al Nassr’s next league match.
Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the next match after his suspension for making a rude gesture
Ronaldo must also pay a punishment of 20,000 Saudi riyals (£4,210), according to the Saudi Arabia Football Federation’s Disciplinary and Ethics Committee. The decision is not subject to appeal.
While the former Real Madrid player’s gesture was not broadcast, fans’ film from the stadium was uploaded on social media, and the footballer’s actions quickly drew criticism.
Waleed al Farraj, a well-known Saudi writer and television broadcaster, stated on X that “the disciplinary committee is facing the biggest test. We’ll wait and see.
“Everything has a limit, no matter how renowned you are. “This is how the major leagues are.”
Ronaldo signed as a free agent with al Nassr in late 2022. His on-field antics have previously come under scrutiny in ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia.
He looked to hold his genitals while walking to the dugout after his team lost a game last year.
During the Riyadh Season Cup final earlier this month, he hid a rival team scarf in his shorts after it was thrown at him as he moved into the tunnel.
Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia occurred soon after an acrimonious departure from Manchester United.
The forward is the highest earning football player in history, making as about £ 160 million per year at Al-Nassr FC.
