- The 39-year-old has reportedly been hit with a two-match ban
- Cristiano Ronaldo made an X-rated gesture to rival fans during Al Nassr’s recent victory
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Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a two-match ban after making an X-rated gesture towards antagonizing Al Shabab supporters last weekend.
The 39-year-old was annoyed by rival fans during Al Nassr’s 3-2 win over Al Shabab on Sunday, opening the scoring from the penalty spot.
Home fans at Riyadh’s stadium tried to unnerve Ronaldo by chanting the name of his career rival Lionel Messi throughout the match, apparently angering the Portuguese.
Al Nassr then claimed a valuable victory in the Saudi Pro League, with Ronaldo’s penalty supplemented by a brace from Brazilian striker Talisca, who won the match in the 86th minute.
Ronaldo stepped away from the team celebrations at the full-time whistle and put his hand to his ear before gesturing to his crotch, with the signal seemingly aimed at the supporters in attendance.
According to reports, Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a two-match ban after making an X-rated gesture
Ronaldo put his hand to his ear before gesturing to his crotch at Al Shabab fans
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His actions were criticized and an investigation into Ronaldo’s conduct was later opened by the Saudi Pro League disciplinary body.
The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend has now been punished for his actions and will miss Al Nassr’s next two matches and be fined, as reported by media in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo will not be available for his side’s league match against Al-Hazm on Thursday and could also be sidelined for Al Nassr’s quarter-final in the Asian Champions League.
Ronaldo will not be available for his team’s league match against Al-Hazm on Thursday and has also been fined
The fine for an undisclosed amount is unlikely to cause problems for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who receives £175 million a year from the top Saudi club.
In his second season playing in the Middle East, the Portuguese star has maintained his prolific record in front of goal and currently sits at the top of the league’s scoring charts.
Sunday’s penalty took his total for the season to 22 across 20 appearances.
However, Al-Nassr remains four points behind unbeaten Al-Hilal in the rankings.