Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines in the Saudi Pro League for his wild celebrations in front of Al Shadab fans during Al Nassr’s match against them on Sunday.
After the game, the Al Shadab crowd roared with chants of “Messi, Messi” directed at Ronaldo. The Portuguese player responded by covering his ear and repeatedly pumping his hand in front of his pelvic area in the direction of the opposing fans.
🚨🚨| Cristiano Ronaldo is set to be INVESTIGATED for a gesture he made towards fans chanting for Lionel Messi.
[@MailSport] pic.twitter.com/2ZJd97Y6jr
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) February 26, 2024
Although the incident wasn’t broadcast on television, a few people who were in the stands recorded it and shared it on social media.
The Saudi Pro League has not yet issued a comment, but according to the Saudi newspaper Asharq al-Awsat, the Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF) has begun an investigation into the matter.
The Saudi Pro League and Al Nassr have not yet confirmed this, but according to the most recent report on the matter, Ronaldo is expected to pay a fine and face a two-match suspension for the gesture.
#عاجل| مصادر "الرياضية": لجنة الانضباط تتجه لإيقاف البرتغالي #كريستيانو_رونالدو قائد #النصر مباراتين وغرامة مالية بسبب سلوك غير رياضي
(من: @k7aled_otb)#النصر_الشباب
— الرياضية – عاجل (@ariyadhiah_br) February 26, 2024
A tweet from the official Alriyadiya X account reads, “Al-Riyadiya sources: The Disciplinary Committee is moving to suspend the Portuguese captain for two matches and fine him due to unsportsmanlike behavior.”