Football: Ronaldo banned for offensive gesture over Messi chants

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has suspended Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo for one game over an offensive gesture towards Al-Shabab fans over Lionel Messi chants.

On Thursday, the SAFF disciplinary committee found him guilty of making provocative gestures and handed the Portuguese a one-match ban.

In addition, the Real Madrid legend was fined 30,000 Saudi Riyals (£6,300) and not allowed to appeal the decision. 

Ronaldo has scored 20 goals in 22 league games this season for Al Nassr.

The incident occurred over the weekend during Al Nassr’s 3-2 away win over Al-Shabab in their Saudi Pro League match, and in the middle of the game, the home fans resorted to chanting Messi’s name.

It is a ploy that Al Nassr’s rival fans have adopted to taunt Ronaldo during games since he moved to the Middle Eastern country in January 2022.

In a retaliatory manner, on Sunday, the ex-Manchester United star cupped his hand to his ear and made a gesture to Al-Shabab fans.

Consequently, Cristiano was the subject of a SAFF disciplinary and ethics committee inquiry. 

People’s Gazette