Cristiano Ronaldo Faces Ban and Fine for Obscene Gesture Amid Lionel Messi Chants

Al-Nassr‘s Cristiano Ronaldo is set to endure consequences in the form of a Ban from the Saudi Football Association following an incident where he made an obscene gesture towards fans chanting the name of his long-time rival, Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo’s reaction came during a Saudi Pro League match against Al-Shabab, where he scored in a 3-2 victory despite facing relentless chants in favour of Messi. The Portuguese forward responded to the taunts by gesturing towards his crotch, sparking immediate criticism and subsequent disciplinary action.

Will Ronaldo be banned?

According to reports from Saudi media, Ronaldo is slated to receive a two-match suspension along with an undisclosed fine for his actions.

Despite his considerable salary, the ban poses a setback for Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, with the star forward set to miss upcoming league fixtures and potentially a crucial AFC Champions League quarter-final clash.

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Obscene Gesture Sparks Controversy in Saudi League Game

Ronaldo to Serve 2 Match Ban

Ronaldo’s response to Messi chants is notable, given their prevalence during his tenure in the Middle East. This incident also marks a recurrence, as Ronaldo faced a similar backlash for a similar gesture in April 2023, though he escaped punishment on that occasion.

As the specifics of the ban are finalized, Ronaldo is expected to be sidelined until at least March 7, affecting Al-Nassr’s upcoming fixtures including a league encounter against Al-Raed.