Ronaldo criticized for apparent obscene gesture in Saudi game،
Cristiano Ronaldo faced a wave of criticism after appearing to make an obscene gesture following the end of Al Nassr's 3-2 victory over Al Shabab in a thrilling Saudi Pro League match on Sunday.
The Portuguese striker opened the scoring with a penalty in the 21st minute, but Al Nassr needed a late goal from Brazilian Talisca, who struck twice, to settle the match four minutes from time.
After the final whistle, videos on social media showed Ronaldo cupping her ear before repeatedly pumping his hand in front of her pelvic area. The action appeared to be directed against rival Al Shabab supporters.
In the background, chants of “Messi” could be heard, referring to Ronaldo's longtime rival, the Argentine.
The incident was not captured by television cameras, but some Saudi experts said Ronaldo should be punished.
There was no official response, but Saudi newspaper Asharq al-Awsat said the national football federation had opened an investigation into the incident.
“The disciplinary commission 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 fame. that's how the major leagues work.”
Al Nassr was not immediately available for comment.
Ronaldo, 39, has previously faced similar criticism. In April 2023, he appeared to grab his genitals as he walked towards the dugout after the end of a league match against Al Hilal, which Al Nassr lost 2–0.
Earlier this month, he picked up an Al Hilal scarf that had been thrown at him from the stands, stuffed it into his shorts then threw it away as he headed towards the tunnel after the 2 defeat -0 of Al Nassr in the final of the Riyadh Season Cup.
Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr as a free agent at the end of 2022, leads the Saudi league scoring charts with 22 goals in 20 appearances so far this season. Al Nassr is second in the standings with 52 points, four behind Al Hilal, who have a game in hand.
Al-Nassr are also in contention for the Asian Champions League – a tournament they have never won – and will face Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates in the quarter-finals next month.
