Football sensation Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a one-match suspension following an incident where he was seen making a lewd gesture during a match in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo was observed cupping his ear and making repeated thrusting motions near his pelvis in the direction of opposing fans.
The incident happened on Sunday, minutes after Ronaldo’s team al Nassr beat al Shabab 3-2 in the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo’s gesture appeared to be aimed at rival supporters, who could be heard charting “Messi” in reference to the 39-year-old’s long-standing rival.
The suspension was announced late on Wednesday night. Al Nassr’s next league game is on Thursday.
Ronaldo also has to pay a fine of 20,000 Saudi riyals (£4,210) and the decision is not open to an appeal, the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Arabia Football Federation said.
Ronaldo joined al Nassr as a free agent in late 2022 and this isn’t the first time his on-pitch actions have faced scrutiny in the ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia.
In April last year, he appeared to grab his genitals as he made his way to the dugout after his team lost a game.
At the Riyadh Season Cup final earlier this month, he put a rival team scarf in his shorts after it was thrown at him as he walked towards the tunnel.
