Cristiano Ronaldo Banned for One Saudi Pro League Game After Obscene Gestures Towards Fans Who Teased Him With Lionel Messi Chants
Cristiano Ronaldo has been hit with a one-game ban by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation following his conduct during and after Al Nassr's 3-2 win over Al-Shabab last week.
The 39-year-old was taunted throughout the game by thousands of Al-Shabab fans chanting the name of his long-term rival Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo reacted after Talisca's 86th-minute winning goal by thrusting his pelvis in the direction of the crowd multiple times while gesturing towards his crotch with his hands.
The former Real Madrid forward then performed another offensive hand gesture at full-time, while also cupping his ear.
Footage of the incidents was later reviewed by a disciplinary committee.
Ronaldo's one-game suspension cannot be appealed, meaning he will serve it immediately and miss Thursday's Saudi Pro League home match against Al-Hazm.
He must also pay two fines - 10,000 Saudi riyals ($2,666) to the Saudi Football Federation, plus 20,000 riyals to Al-Shabab to cover the costs of the complaint-filing fees.
Ronaldo has scored 22 goals in 20 Saudi Pro League appearances this season.
His Al Nassr side currently sit seven points behind leaders Al-Hilal with 13 rounds of fixtures remaining.