On Thursday, Saudi Arabia’s football regulatory body suspended Cristiano Ronaldo for a single game due to a gesture he made during a recent match, deemed a “provocation.”
The Al-Nassr captain and former Sporting Lisbon star was additionally fined 30,000 riyals ($8,000) for violating rules against provoking the audience during a game, according to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
The decision is not subject to appeal.
Video footage circulated after Al-Nassr’s 3-2 victory against Al-Shabab, showing Ronaldo making a repeated thrusting gesture towards his groin in response to taunts from the crowd chanting the name of his longstanding rival, Lionel Messi.
The content quickly gained widespread attention on Saudi social media.
In defence, Ronaldo reportedly stated that he respected all football clubs and that the gesture symbolized “strength and victory” rather than offence, noting its acceptance in Europe.
The 39-year-old, a five-time UEFA Champions League winner, became a significant figure in Saudi football when he signed with Al-Nassr in January 2023.
The Saudi Pro League has attracted renowned players as part of the country’s efforts to host the 2034 World Cup and make a mark in global sports.
Players like Karim Benzema, Neymar, and Sadio Mane have also made moves to Saudi Arabia for lucrative contracts. However, Saudi Arabia has faced accusations of “sportswashing” by leveraging sports to enhance its international image amid criticism of its human rights and environmental practices.
(AFP)
