Cristiano Ronaldo hit with Saudi ban for 'obscene' gesture after Lionel Messi taunt

Cristiano Ronaldo has received a one-match ban for making an alleged offensive gesture.

During the Saudi Professional League clash between Al Nassr and Al Shabab, Ronaldo was on the scoresheet as his side came away 3-1 winners.

Throughout the match, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star was teased with Lionel Messi chants by the fans.

In response to the chants, Ronaldo appeared to gesture towards the crowd, which quickly went viral online.

In a statement, as reported by the Daily Mail, Ronaldo said: “I respect all clubs.

“And the joy after the [game] expresses strength and victory, and it is not shameful. We are used to it in Europe.”

Now, it has been reported that the Portuguese legend will be banned for one match as a result of his alleged gesture.

The Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Arabia Football Federation have stated that Ronaldo will miss Al Nassr’s next match and has also been told to pay a £4190 fine.

It has been reported that half of the fine will be given towards Al Shabab to cover the costs of making the complaint in the first place.

The other half of the money will go to the Federation.

Cristiano Ronaldo to fans who chanted Messi all game. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/sSwcvnHF9C

— Not Match of the Day (@NOT_MOTD) February 26, 2024

Prior to the decision, Saudi journalist Waleed Al Farraj called for Ronaldo to be punished.

He wrote on social media: “The disciplinary committee is facing the biggest test.

“We will wait and see. Everything has its limits, no matter how famous you are. This is how the major leagues are.”

Back in January 2023, Ronaldo ditched European football for the Saudi Professional League after signing for Al Nassr on the back of his second stint with United.

Since then, clubs in Saudi Arabia have been spending big money to lure some of Europe's biggest names to the Middle East.