- Ronaldo sanctioned, match deduction
- Made vulgar gesture, fined
- Highest-paid footballer controversy
A sanction has also been imposed on the former Manchester United player, whose annual salary in Saudi Arabia is rumoured to exceed £160 million.
One match has been deducted from Cristiano Ronaldo’s career in restitution for what appeared to be a vulgar gesture he made in Saudi Arabia.
Social media footage appeared to show Ronaldo propping his hand forward near his pelvis and encircling his ear.
The incident occurred minutes after Al Nassr, led by Ronaldo, defeated Al Shabab 3-2 in the Saudi Pro League on Sunday.
Ronaldo’s supporters, who could be overheard chanting “Messi” in allusion to the 39-year-old’s longtime adversary, appeared to be the target of his gesture.
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The suspension became public knowledge late Wednesday evening. Thursday marks the next league match for Al Nassr.
Ronaldo Faces Unyielding Sanction
Ronaldo must also pay a fine of 20,000 Saudi riyals (£4,210), and the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation stated that the decision is final and cannot be appealed.
Although the gesture made by the former Real Madrid player was not broadcast live on television, fan-captured footage quickly gained traction on social media. The footballer’s conduct swiftly drew criticism.
A prominent Saudi author and television anchor, Waleed al-Farraj, wrote on X: “The disciplinary committee is confronted with its greatest challenge. We shall observe and see.
“All things have their limits, regardless of one’s level of fame.” “This is the nature of the major leagues.”
Late in 2022, Ronaldo became a free agent and signed with Al Nassr. His on-field conduct has previously encountered criticism in the ultraconservative kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Last April, he looked to hold his genitalia as he headed to the bench after his team lost.
Earlier this month, during the Riyadh Season Cup final, he concealed a scarf from the opposing team in his shorts. This happened as he made his way to the tunnel after receiving a pitch of it.
Ronaldo relocated to Saudi Arabia in the wake of a contentious separation from Manchester United.
Unconfirmed publicly, the forward’s annual remuneration at Al Nassr is rumoured to exceed £160 million. This would make him the highest-paid footballer in history.
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