Superstar footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for one match following an incident where he appeared to make an obscene gesture during a match in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo was captured on camera cupping his ear and repeatedly thrusting his hand forward near his pelvis in front of opposition fans. The incident occurred on Sunday, shortly after Ronaldo’s team, Al Nassr, secured a 3-2 victory over Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League.
The gesture seemed to be directed at rival supporters who were chanting “Messi,” referencing Ronaldo’s longstanding rival, Lionel Messi. The suspension, along with a fine of 20,000 Saudi riyals (£4,210), was announced late on Wednesday night by the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Arabia Football Federation. The decision is not subject to appeal.
This is not the first time Ronaldo’s on-pitch behavior has come under scrutiny in the ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia. Last year, he appeared to grab his genitals as he walked to the dug
