International footballer star, Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for one match after alleged display of an obscene gesture during a match in Saudi Arabia.
The incident which occurred on Sunday 25 February, minutes after Ronaldo’s team al Nassr beat al Shabab 3-2 in the Saudi Pro League, saw the renowned footballer cupping his ear and repeatedly thrusting his hand forward near his pelvis in front of opposition fans.
It was said that Ronaldo’s gesture appeared to be aimed at rival supporters, who could be heard chanting “Messi” in reference to the 39-year-old’s long-standing rival.
According to reports, the suspension was announced late on Wednesday night. Al Nassr’s next league game is on Thursday.
The Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Arabia Football Federation noted that the football star is also expected to pay a fine of 20,000 Saudi riyals (£4,210) and the decision is not open to an appeal.
Ronaldo joined al Nassr as a free agent in late 2022 and this isn’t the first time his on-pitch actions have come under scrutiny in the ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia.
It would be recalled that in April last year, he appeared to grab his genitals as he made his way to the dugout after his team failed to secure victory in a game.
Earlier this month at the Riyadh Season Cup final earlier this month, he put a rival team scarf in his shorts after it was thrown at him as he walked towards the tunnel.
