Ronaldo Faces Punishment from Saudi Arabia for Gesture with Fans Chanting ‘Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to face an investigation after appearing to make an obscene gesture following a Saudi Pro League match.

VIDEO: Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to yet more Lionel Messi chants from Al-Shabab fans with seemingly obscene gesture | Goal.com India

Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to make an obscene gesture following Al-Nassr’s win over Al-Shabab after the home fans taunted him with Messi chants

Reports claim Ronaldo could face an investigation from the Saudi FA over the incident

Ronaldo netted his side’s opener in the 3-2 win to take his tally to 22 goals for the season

The incident was not caught on television, but some Saudi pundits said Ronaldo should be sanctioned. There has been no official response but Saudi newspaper Asharq al-Awsat said the national football federation (SAFF) had opened an investigation into the incident.

“The disciplinary committee is facing the biggest test. We will wait and see,” Waleed Al Farraj, a prominent Saudi writer and television host, said on X.

“Everything has its limits, no matter how famous you are. This is how the major leagues are.”

Al-Nassr were not immediately available to comment.

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On Sunday the 39-year-old’s Al-Nassr took on Al-Shabab, who have a squad that includes the likes of former Atletico Madrid midfielder Yannick Carrasco and ex-Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic.

Ronaldo opened the scoring from the penalty spot on 21 minutes, but his side were pegged back by a spot kick from Carrasco on the brink of half-time.

Talisca restored the visitors’ lead following the restart, and the Brazilian was again on hand to secure a late winner for Al Nassr after Carlos equalised for the hosts.

With three points secured by the 3-2 win, Ronaldo congratulated his teammates at the full-time whistle.

However, the Portugal international appeared to be irked by fans in the crowd chanting the name of his former El Classico rival Lionel Messi.

In response, Ronaldo put his hand to his ear before making a gesture towards his crotch with the signal seemingly aimed at the supporters in attendance.

According to a report from The Telegraph, Saudi newspaper Asharq al-Awsat said the national football federation (SAFF) have since opened an investigation into the incident.

Cristiano Ronaldo Scores Again, Anderson Talisca Hits Brace As Al-Nassr Beat Al-Shabab 3–2 in Saudi Pro League 2023–24 (Watch Goal Video Highlights) | ⚽ LatestLY

The 39-year-old Ronaldo has faced similar criticism in the past. In April last year, he appeared to grab his genitals while on his way to the dugout following the end of a 2-0 league defeat against Al-Hilal.

Earlier this month, he picked up an Al-Hilal scarf thrown at him from the stands, put it in his shorts and then threw it away as he walked towards the tunnel after Al-Nassr lost 2-0 in the Riyadh Season Cup final.

VIDEO: Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to yet more Lionel Messi  chants from Al-Shabab fans with seemingly obscene gesture | Goal.com India

In his second season in Saudi the Portuguese star has maintained his prolific record in front of goal and currently sits top of the league’s scoring charts.

Sunday’s penalty took his tally for the season to 22 across 20 appearances.

However, Al-Nassr remain four points behind the undefeated Al-Hilal in the league table.