After allegedly making an offensive gesture while playing for Al Nassr in a Saudi Pro League match, Cristiano Ronaldo was suspended for one match. Following Al-Nassr’s triumph over Al-Shabab, there seemed to be video of Ronaldo extending his hand to Al-Shabab supporters, while shouts of “Messi,” a reference to his opponent Lionel Messi, could be heard. Al-Shabab was banned and fined 20,000 Saudi Riyals ($5,333) by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation’s Disciplinary and Ethics Committee. The federation will receive half of the fined amount. There is no right of appeal for this decision. Even though Ronaldo’s actions were not seen by television cameras, they were widely criticized in Saudi Arabia. In front of the committee, Ronaldo asserted that the gesture was typical of European celebrations. This incident is not the first controversy Ronaldo has faced at Al-Nassr, with a previous incident involving similar actions attributed to a groin injury. Despite the suspension, Ronaldo leads the league with 22 goals and scored in the game against Al Shabab. Al Nassr is also in the quarterfinals of the Asian Champions League, a title they have yet to win.
