Portugese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has received a one-match suspension after he made an offensive gesture after Al-Nassr defeated Al-Shabab 3-2 in a Saudi League game.
The Saudi Football Federation’s (SAFF) Disciplinary and Ethics Committee made the announcement on Wednesday.
A viral social media video purports to show Ronaldo holding his ear, reaching forward, and placing his hand in front of his pelvis. It’s said that this action was done to provoke Al-Shabab supporters, who shouted rival Lionel Messi’s name in the background.
The incident took place following the full-time whistle on Sunday.
The Portuguese star footballer has also been requested by SAFF to pay a fine of 10,000 riyals (USD 2,666).
The Al-Nassr player has already performed this debaucherous gesture; in the 0-2 loss to arch-rival Al-Hilal in April 2023, he was recorded doing so again.
Ronaldo scored in a 3-2 win against Al-Shabab on February 25
The 39-year-old football player, who has won a record three UEFA Men’s Player of the Year titles and five Ballon d’Or medals, is thought to be among the greatest players of all time.
He is still a member of the Portugal national team, having participated in 205 matches and scoring 128 goals.