Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for one match by the Saudi Football Association for the obscene gesture towards some Messi fans after the match against Al-Shabab. However, according to local media, the Portuguese was not aware of any harm: “This is a celebration that expresses strength and joy.”
After Cristiano Ronaldo’s club Al Nassr won the match against Red Devil Yannick Carrasco’s Al-Shabab, the 39-year-old Portuguese star footballer addressed the home fans, who had chanted ‘Messi’ throughout the match. First with a hand behind his ears, then with an obscene hand gesture. Amateur footage shows Ronaldo making several pumping movements near his crotch.
The Saudi Football Federation (SAFF) did not like the gesture and started an investigation. CR7 had to answer for this, but the Portuguese was clearly not aware of any wrongdoing. “I respect all clubs,” said Cristiano Ronaldo. “This is a celebration that expresses joy and strength. It’s not provocative at all. This is something normal in Europe.”
Not the first time
It is not the first time that Cristiano Ronaldo has been criticized for gestures on and off the field. In April last year, he appeared to grab his genitals as he headed to the dugout after the league match against Al Hilal, which Al Nassr lost 2-0. Earlier this month, Ronaldo stuffed an Al Hilal scarf down his trousers and then threw it away as he dropped out after the 2-0 defeat in the Riyadh Season Cup final.
