Why Cristiano Ronaldo's next game will be played behind-closed-doors

Cristiano Ronaldo's next game will be played without any supporters present.

Ronaldo's Al Nassr are taking on Iranian champions Persepolis in their first AFC Champions League group stage clash, having come from behind to beat Shabab Al Ahli in a play-off.

The match is being played at the Azadi Stadium, which houses 78,000 fans and there has been an incredible buzz for the fixture - in particular the arrival of five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

Footage posted on Al Nassr's social media showed fans chasing the team bus while AP say that hundreds of locals stormed the Espinas Palace Hotel where Ronaldo and his teammates are staying in Tehran - pushing past police and filling the corridors while chanting the name of the Portuguese superstar.

However, much to the disappointment of fans, the Champions League encounter will actually be played behind-closed-doors.

Image: Getty

Hosts Persepolis, the most successful club in Iran, must serve a one-game stadium ban stemming from a controversial social media post.

Ahead of a meeting with Indian club FC Goa back in the 2021/22 season, a now deleted post mentioned Iran's invasion of India in the 18th century in an attempt to raise the stakes somewhat.

According to the Daily Mail, people in India took offence and the All India Football Federation's complaint led to the Asian Football Confederation issuing the punishment.

Persepolis were not in a continental competition last year and so this was their first game where the suspension could be imposed.

Image: Getty

Supporters were said to be commenting on Goa's posts, apologising for the previous content.

A Saudi team has not played in Iran since 2015 after ties between the two were severed. Relations have improved, however following an agreement brokered by China back in March.

The game kicks off at 7pm on Tuesday, with the reverse fixture taking place in Riyadh on November 27.

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Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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