Cristiano Ronaldo will serve a one-game suspension on Thursday after the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (Saff) disciplined him for an offensive gesture at opposition fans.
Ronaldo must miss Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League game against Al-Hazm over his conduct after a 3-2 win over Al-Shabab. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had reportedly been subjected to persistent chants of “Messi” when he marked Al-Nassr’s victory by cupping an ear and thrusting one of his hands towards his pelvis.
The moment did not appear in a live broadcast but caught the attention of the Saff after appearing via mobile phone footage on social media.
A spokesperson said: “The disciplinary and ethics committee at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation has issued a one-match ban to Cristiano Ronaldo as well as a 10,000 Saudi Riyal [£2,100] fine to Saff and 20,000 SAR fine payable to the opposition club Al-Shabab FC for ‘provoking fans’ or ‘inciting fans’ as per article 57 of the disciplinary and ethics committee at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.”
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The 39-year-old is said to be earning more than £170m a year. The local outlet Al-Riyadiya reported that Ronaldo had sought to explain his actions, citing a written statement which said: “I respect all clubs. The joy after the shot expresses strength and victory, and it is not shameful. We are used to it in Europe.”