Cristiano Ronaldo gets one-game ban from Saudi Arabian FA for gesture
Cristiano Ronaldo will serve a onegame 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.”
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.”