Watch: Ronaldo’s ‘Obscene Gesture’ To Fans Causes Outrage in Saudi Arabia

Portuguese Star Hit With One-Match Suspension, Steep Fines

Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a one-match ban and fined over $8,000 for making a lewd gesture towards rival fans during Al-Nassr’s heated win over Al-Shabab on Sunday.

The video showed Ronaldo cupping a hand to his ear to take in the hostile chants from Al-Shabab supporters, who sang the name of his long-time adversary Lionel Messi. He then made a thrusting motion with his hand towards his groin in the direction of the stands.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation ruled Ronaldo had violated a disciplinary code for “provoking” spectators. As well as the suspension and personal fine, Al-Nassr must pay an additional $5,333 to Al-Shabab.

SAFF: No Room for Leniency Even for Global Star

In issuing the punishment, SAFF made it clear no player is above reproach for inflammatory acts, not even Ronaldo. The federation called it the “biggest test” of their disciplinary process and suggested the same sanctions apply to mega-stars as any other player.

With no appeal possible, Ronaldo will miss Al-Nassr’s next match against Al-Hazm on Thursday. It marks the first time the club will be without their superstar signing since he arrived in January amid huge fanfare.

Incident Caps Heated Derby Clash

The gesture came late in Al-Nassr’s dramatic 3-2 comeback victory, with Ronaldo having opened the scoring from the penalty spot. After squandering a lead, Anderson Talisca secured the winner for Al-Nassr deep into stoppage time.

Ronaldo has been in blistering goal-scoring form since joining the Saudi Pro League, netting 22 times in 20 matches. But he once again finds controversy after a turbulent few months that saw his Manchester United contract terminated. The suspension presents Al-Nassr their biggest test yet without their talisman.