Saudi Pro League Suspends Cristiano Ronaldo For One Match For Making An Offensive Gesture Towards Al Shabab Fans Chanting Messi
Cristiano Ronaldo will have to sit out one match to serve a suspension after he made an offensive gesture towards Al Shabab fans who were taunting him with chants of “Messi”.
In the aftermath of Al Nassr’s 3-2 victory over Al Shabab, a video of Ronaldo repeatedly thrusting his hand near his pelvis and cupping his ear as he faced the chanting rival fans. For context, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have competed for accolades for years, leading to the two marvels being pitted against each other multiple times and becoming rivals.
Ronaldo’s actions were bore of frustration with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner letting the Messi chants get to him. The Saudi Arabia Football Federation’s Disciplinary and Ethics Committee met and deliberated on the matter and decided on a one-match ban for the Portuguese international.
Ronaldo will not miss the home contest against Al Hazem, who are at the bottom of the table. He will also pay 20,000 Saudi Riyals ( €4920) to Al Shabab who filed the complaint. Cristiano will also pay 50% of that amount to the federation.
Al Hazem has conceded 51 goals this season and has only registered 2 wins. With Cristiano Ronaldo chasing Hamdallah’s 2018/19 scoring record, it would have been an ideal match to add to his tally.
