Cristiano Ronaldo suspended and fined for making 'obscene gesture' at fans chanting Lionel Messi's name; know details here

Celebrated football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has found himself at the center of controversy and has been handed a one-match suspension following his actions during a match in the Saudi Pro League, where he plays for Al Nassr. The incident in question occurred after a league game against rival team Al Shabab, where Ronaldo was seen making a gesture that was deemed offensive by the league's disciplinary committee.

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Ronaldo fined and suspended

Videos circulating on social media captured Ronaldo engaging in a provocative celebration, where he gestured towards his ear and then made a repetitive motion near his pelvis. This act seemed to be directed at the Al Shabab fans, who were audibly chanting the name of Lionel Messi, Ronaldo's long-standing rival on the football field.

This led to the disciplinary committee imposing a fine on Ronaldo: 10,000 Saudi riyals (approximately $2,666) payable to the Saudi Football Federation and an additional 20,000 riyals to Al-Shabab for the administrative costs related to the complaint.

Ronaldo's punishment is sealed

The committee has made it clear that Ronaldo's punishment is final and cannot be contested. This is not the first time Ronaldo has been criticized for such behavior. Previously, in a match against Al Hilal, which ended in a 2-0 defeat for Al Nassr, Ronaldo was observed making a similar gesture towards his genitals as he walked off the pitch.

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Furthermore, during the Riyadh Season Cup final, which also saw Al Nassr lose to Al Hilal, Ronaldo was seen discarding an Al Hilal scarf thrown at him in a manner that stirred up controversy.

Cristiano Ronaldo in stellar form

Despite these incidents, Ronaldo's performance on the field has been stellar. Since joining Al Nassr as a free agent in late 2022, he has topped the league's scoring charts with 22 goals in 20 matches, showcasing his unparalleled talent and contribution to the team.

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Currently, Al Nassr sits second in the league standings with 52 points, trailing behind Al Hilal by four points, with the latter having a game in hand. Ronaldo's suspension and the subsequent fines highlight the scrutiny high-profile players face, underscoring the importance of conduct both on and off the pitch in professional sports.

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