Cristiano Ronaldo faces suspension and fine for fan gesture in Saudi Pro League

Portuguese and Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo has been fined and banned for one match for his actions in a Saudi Pro League match on Sunday. The incident took place after Al Nassr's victory against Al-Shabab.

In the game footage, Ronaldo is shown cupping his hand to his ear, absorbing the cheers from the Al-Shabab supporters. Following this, he gestured towards his groin in the direction of the spectators in the stands, amidst chants of rival Lionel Messi's name from the opposition fans.

Ronaldo gestures towards the Al-Shabab fans.

Ronaldo gestures towards the Al-Shabab fans.

Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images

On Wednesday, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) said the 39-year-old forward violated Article 57-1 of the Discipline and Ethics Regulations.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi, center right, escapes Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Barcelona's Lionel Messi, center right, evades Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo in the Spanish La Liga soccer match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Manu Fernandez/AP

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Ronaldo has been suspended for one match as a result and has been ordered to pay around $2,666 (10,000 riyals) to the SAFF and an additional $5,333 (20,000 riyals) to Al-Shabab for complaint filing fees. The SAFF added that the decision cannot be appealed.

CNN has contacted Ronaldo's spokesperson and Al-Nassr for their response.

Speculation had been circulating before the official announcement regarding the possibility of the SAFF taking action against their prominent star.

Ronaldo, a five-time Balon d’Or winner, made headlines when he joined Al-Nassr after leaving Manchester United in late 2022 amidst controversy. He showcased his goal-scoring prowess by netting 14 goals in 16 league matches last year. Currently, he leads the league in goals for the current season with an impressive tally of 22 goals in just 20 appearances.

In January 2023, the former Real Madrid and Juventus star made a significant move by becoming the highest-profile player to transfer to the Saudi Pro League. This marked the beginning of a trend that saw a wave of European talent joining the league later that summer.

Prominent Saudi journalist Waleed Al-Farraj wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the [SAFF] disciplinary committee is facing its biggest test. He expressed that everything has its limits, regardless of how big a star one may be, emphasizing that this is how major leagues operate.

In Sunday’s thrilling match, Ronaldo scored the opening goal for Al-Nassr from the penalty spot. However, Yannick Carrasco equalized the score to 1-1 with a penalty of his own just before half-time, following Aymeric Laporte’s challenge inside the box.

Ronaldo gave Al-Nassr the lead with a penalty.

Ronaldo gave Al-Nassr the lead with a penalty.

Reuters

Al-Nassr regained the lead a minute into the second half through Anderson Talisca, but Al-Shabab equalized once again, this time with Carlos Júnior’s goal from close range to make it 2-2.

Ronaldo will miss Al-Nassr’s game against Al-Hazm on Thursday in line with his suspension.

It was Ronaldo’s side that would have the final say though as Talisca secured his brace deep into the match to wrap up a 3-2 victory.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the consequences faced by Cristiano Ronaldo for his actions during a Saudi Pro League match. The Portuguese star's gestures towards the opposing fans, including cupping his ear and gesturing towards his groin, resulted in a one-match suspension and substantial fines. Ronaldo's behavior, which was captured on video,