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Reuters

Cristiano Ronaldo faced a flurry of criticism after appearing to make an obscene gesture following the end of Al Nassr’s 3-2 win over Al Shabab in an exciting Saudi Pro League game on Sunday.
The Portugal forward opened the scoring with a 21st-minute penalty but Al Nassr needed a late goal from Brazilian Talisca, who struck twice, to settle the game with four minutes left.
After the final whistle, social media videos captured Ronaldo cupping his ear before repeatedly pumping his hand forward in front of his pelvic area. The action appeared to be directed at the rival Al Shabab supporters.
In the background, chants of “Messi” could be heard, referencing Ronaldo’s long-term football rival from Argentina.

The incident was not caught on television cameras, but some Saudi pundits said Ronaldo should be sanctioned.
There has been no official response but Saudi newspaper Asharq al-Awsat said the national football federation (SAFF) had opened an investigation into the incident.
“The disciplinary committee is facing the biggest test. We will wait and see,” Waleed Al Farraj, a prominent Saudi writer and television host, said on social media platform X.
“Everything has its limits, no matter how famous you are. This is how the major leagues are.”
Al Nassr were not immediately available to comment.
The 39-year-old Ronaldo has faced similar criticism in the past. In April last year, he appeared to grab his genitals while on his way to the dugout following the end of a league game against Al Hilal, which Al Nassr lost 2-0.
Ronaldo beats Messi in race to recapture hearts of Chinese fans with Weibo post
Earlier this month, he picked up an Al Hilal scarf thrown at him from the stands, put it in his shorts and then threw it away as he walked towards the tunnel after Al Nassr lost 2-0 in the Riyadh Season Cup final.
Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr as a free agent in late 2022, tops the Saudi league scoring charts with 22 goals in 20 appearances so far this season. Al Nassr are second in the table with 52 points, four behind Al Hilal, who have a game in hand.


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Saudi Pro League

Cristiano Ronaldo was accused of making an obscene gesture at the end of the match. Photo: Reuters

Ronaldo protests after a decision by the referee at the Al Shabab Club Stadium. Photo: AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo v Lionel Messi rematch off as injury rules Portuguese forward out of Al Nassr game against Inter Miami

Cristiano Ronaldo receives the lifetime achievement award during the 14th edition of the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards 2024. Photo: DPA

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi drives forward during the second half of his side’s preseason friendly against the Al Hilal. Photo: USA Today Sports

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Cristiano Ronaldo was to be the star attraction in Al Nassr’s tour of China. Photo: AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo fans gather for a training session before Wednesday’s game against Shanghai Shenhua. Photo: AFP

Lionel Messi’s Hong Kong trip is greatest letdown of all time as GOAT’s day on bench leaves Inter Miami asking forgiveness

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi cuts a sheepish figure as fireworks follow his non-involvement in the match in Hong Kong. Photo: AP

Fans made their feelings on the Messi no-show loud and clear, booing and chanting for refunds. Photo: AP

David Beckham faces an angry crowd at Hong Kong Stadium after Messi took no part on Sunday. Photo: Bloomberg

Lionel Messi on the Inter Miami bench, where he remained throughout the match. Photo: Sam Tsang

Sport

Football

Pundits call for sanction after videos capture Al Nassr’s Ronaldo pumping his hand forward in front of his pelvic area, seemingly aimed at rival Al Shabab fans
Chants of ‘Messi’ are heard in the background, referencing Ronaldo’s old rival


Pundits call for sanction after videos capture Al Nassr’s Ronaldo pumping his hand forward in front of his pelvic area, seemingly aimed at rival Al Shabab fans.


Cristiano Ronaldo under fire after appearing to make obscene gesture in Saudi Pro League match

Pundits call for sanction after videos capture Al Nassr’s Ronaldo pumping his hand forward in front of his pelvic area, seemingly aimed at rival Al Shabab fans Chants of ‘Messi’ are heard in the background, referencing Ronaldo’s old rival

Pundits call for sanction after videos capture Al Nassr’s Ronaldo pumping his hand forward in front of his pelvic area, seemingly aimed at rival Al Shabab fans

Chants of ‘Messi’ are heard in the background, referencing Ronaldo’s old rival