Cristiano Ronaldo Suspended for Obscene Gesture in Saudi League Match

The Saudi Football Federation handed down a punishment to the Al-Nassr star.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for one match after making an obscene gesture during Al-Nassr’s 3—2 win over Al-Shabab, the disciplinary and ethics committee of the Saudi Football Federation announced Thursday. 

The committee said the decision is not open to appeal.

Following the final whistle in Sunday’s win, Ronaldo repeatedly pumped his hand near his pelvis area in a gesture that seemed to be directed at rival Al-Shabab supporters. Chants of “Messi,” Ronaldo’s longtime rival, could be heard in the background. His gesture was filmed on a fan’s camera and later went viral on social media.

Along with his suspension, Ronaldo will have to pay a fine of 20,000 Saudi riyals ($5,333) to Al-Shabab and 10,000 Saudi riyals ($2,666) to the Saudi Football Federation.

The 39-year-old forward signed with Saudi Pro League team Al Nassr in 2022 and has a league-leading 22 goals in 20 games this season. He scored a first-half penalty against Al-Shabab on Sunday before the incident.

Ronaldo has drawn criticism from Saudi pundits and commentators for his crude on-field actions before. Last April, the Portuguese star made an obscene gesture in a Saudi league game in response to fans taunting him with “Messi” chants.

Al-Nassr’s next game is Thursday against Al-Hazm.