Cristiano Ronaldo Receives Ban and Fine for Obscene Gesture After Hearing 'Messi' Chants— What Did Al-Nassr Star Do?

Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo faces scrutiny for an offensive gesture he made during their recent Saudi Pro League match against Al Shabab.

The match concluded with a narrow 3-2 victory for the Portuguese star's team on Sunday, February 25, at the Al-Shabab Club Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In light of the 39-year-old's inappropriate actions, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has handed down a one-match suspension and a cumulative fine of 30,000 Saudi Riyals ($8,000) as a disciplinary measure.

The fine consists of 10,000 Saudi riyals ($2700) to be remitted to the SAFF, and in addition, Ronaldo has been instructed to pay an additional 20,000 Saudi riyals ($5300) to Al-Shabab, covering the expenses associated with filing their complaint.

Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr on a free transfer on the final day of 2022 on a two-and-a-half-year deal, currently leads the Saudi Pro League in scoring with 22 goals in 20 appearances this season. He reportedly earns $213 million annually on his current contract to play in the oil-rich kingdom.

Al-Nassr currently holds the second position in the league table with 52 points, trailing leaders Al Hilal by four points, who have a game in hand.

What offensive gesture did Cristiano Ronaldo make?

Following chants of "Messi" from the hostile away crowd, referring to his long-time rival and former FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi, Ronaldo was observed cupping his hand to his ear, acknowledging the chants from the crowd after scoring in the 21st minute of the game.

Subsequently, he gestured by thrusting his hand towards his pelvic area in the direction of spectators in the stands.

The SAFF deemed this action as causing "public excitement by gesture." Despite not being captured on television broadcasts, a fan uploaded the celebration on social media.

Subsequently, Al-Shabab complained, and the former Real Madrid forward's actions led to a violation of Article 57-1 of the Disciplinary and Ethics Regulations of the SAFF, as per Saudi Arabian news outlet Arriyadiyah.

Ronaldo has rejected the notion of making any disgraceful gesture, but despite his denial, Al-Nassr has chosen not to challenge the ruling and is gearing up for their next match without their main man.

Reports suggest that the five-time UEFA Champions League winner presented a statement to the SAFF, defending his actions.

"I respect all clubs... and the movement in the shot expresses strength and victory, and is not disgraceful, and we have become accustomed to it in Europe, which is what I highlighted," the five-time Ballon d'Or winner explained.

Ronaldo has previously done similar actions. In April 2023, he was accused of appearing to grab his genitals as he made his way to the dugout after a 2-0 league defeat against Al-Hilal.