Cristiano Ronaldo could be suspended for the next two games as the Saudi Arabia Football Federation investigates his behaviour in the 3-2 win over Al Shabab. The forward made a gesture thrusting his groin and pointing towards it in response to rival fans.
The spectators were chanting “Messi, Messi” to throw the Portugal captain off in the heated game, and the reaction was in response to those fans after the team was celebrating the winning goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo at risk of suspension for obscene gesture towards rival fans
The 39-year-old is the biggest star playing in the Saudi Pro League, and this is a big opportunity for the SAFF to show their impartiality towards standards on the football pitch. Ronaldo has come under criticism for his reaction, and a thorough investigation will decide what punishment the player will face, if any.
After picking up three points in the clash against Al Shabab, Cristiano Ronaldo’s side, Al Nassr, is now seven points behind league leaders and rivals Al Hilal. The Blue side is still favoured to win the title this year, but things could change in the coming weeks if they somehow drop points.
This isn’t the first time that the veteran has faced Messi chants, as they have become common in Saudi Arabia by rival fans. On the other hand, he has also been seen doing the crotch gesture in April 2023. But the ban means he will miss the game against Al-Hazm and could also be absent for Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League quarter-final clash in a week’s time.
