Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a one-match ban for what the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) deemed a “provocative reaction” to fans’ chants of “Messi” following their Saudi Pro League victory over Al-Shabab.
After Al-Shabab supporters taunted Ronaldo with chants of his long-time rival Lionel Messi’s name following Sunday’s 3-2 defeat in Riyadh, the Portugal captain responded by cupping his hand to his ear and making a gesture towards the fans.
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In addition to the suspension, Ronaldo has been fined 30,000 Saudi Riyals (£6,300) by the SAFF disciplinary and ethics committee, with no avenue for appeal against the decision.
Despite opening the scoring from the penalty spot, Ronaldo’s side twice surrendered the lead before Talisca netted an 87th-minute winner for Al-Shabab.
Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr from Manchester United in December 2022, reportedly for the highest football salary in history, has seen him notch 20 goals in 22 league games this season. Al-Nassr currently sit second in the league table behind Al-Hilal.
