Cristiano Ronaldo Suspended for Obscene Gesture After Al Nassr's Win vs. Al Shabab

Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo received a one-match ban for making an obscene gesture during the club's 3-2 victory over Al Shabab last Sunday.

"After the final whistle on Sunday, social media videos captured Ronaldo cupping his ear before repeatedly pumping his hand forward in front of his pelvic area," read the report from Reuters (via ESPN). "The action appeared to be directed at the rival Al Shabab supporters."

According to the Daily Mail's Adrian Bishop, Ronaldo took exception to some Al-Shabab supporters chanting the name of Lionel Messi, his biggest on-field rival during an illustrious career.

John Duerden of the Guardian noted this wasn't the first time the 39-year-old made a suggestive gesture while playing in Saudi Arabia. He "grabbed his crotch" after a loss to Al-Hilal in April 2023. Then earlier this month, he took a scarf thrown onto the ground in front of him and appeared to wipe his groin before tossing it back toward supporters.

Duerden also explained how there was an increasing level of pressure on the Saudi Football Federation (SAFF) to act. Failing to punish Ronaldo was likely to be viewed as a show of favoritism toward the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

While Al Nassr will only be without the veteran forward for one match, his absence could deal a further blow to the club's quest to win the Saudi Pro League.

Seven points separate second-place Al Nassr from league leader Al Hilal through 21 fixtures, so it can ill afford to lose any more ground.