News

Cristiano Ronaldo banned for gesture to fans after ‘Messi’ chants

Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned for one match for “provoking fans” following the Saudi Pro League win over Al-Shabab.

Al Shabab supporters chanted “Messi” – Ronaldo’s long-term rival Lionel Messi – after Sunday’s 3-2 defeat in Riyadh.

Portugal captain Ronaldo, 39, cupped his hand to his ear and made a gesture to the fans.

He has also been fined 30,000 Saudi Riyals (£6,300) by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF).

The SAFF disciplinary and ethics committee said Ronaldo cannot appeal against the decision.

Ronaldo opened the scoring from the penalty spot, but Al-Shabab twice came from behind before Talisca scored an 87th-minute winner.

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr on a free transfer from Manchester United in December 2022 for reportedly the biggest football salary in history.

He has scored 20 goals in 22 league games this season for Al-Nassr, who are second in the table behind Al-Hilal.

 

Abdul Noah Ocholi

Recent Posts

Six Nations Shake-Up: Why The New Six-Week Format Could Change Everything

In a sport that never stops evolving, the Six Nations has always been rugby’s sacred…

14 hours ago

Victor Ikpeba Explains Why Calvin Bassey Is Being Rested By Fulham Boss Marco Silva

Fulham defender Calvin Bassey has been a surprising absentee from the starting lineup in recent…

14 hours ago

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr Standoff Sparks Concern Over 1,000-Goal Dream

Cristiano Ronaldo has been called out over what former players have described as a “strange”…

14 hours ago

Elliot Lee Takes Subtle Swipe At Phil Parkinson After Wrexham Exit

Wrexham legend Elliot Lee has appeared to aim a parting shot at manager Phil Parkinson…

15 hours ago

Ademola Lookman’s Atletico Madrid Move Earns Massive Praise Across Football World

Ademola Lookman’s blockbuster switch to Atletico Madrid has been met with widespread approval from former…

15 hours ago

Enzo Fernandez Sends Emotional Message Of Support To Chelsea Starlet Estevao

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has shown the human side of football after sending a heartfelt…

15 hours ago