26 February 2024 , 13:56
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The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) is investigating an apparent lewd gesture made by Cristiano Ronaldo on Sunday.
Ronaldo, 39, pumped his hand forward in front of his pelvic area after scoring in Al-Nassr's 3-2 win away against Al-Shabab. Cries of Lionel Messi's name were heard from the home fans, which Ronaldo appeared to react to by making a gesture in their direction.
Messi and Ronaldo have unquestionably had football's biggest personal rivalry in recent memory, and were regarded as the best two footballers on the planet while Ronaldo was playing for Real Madrid and Messi was representing Barcelona - Madrid's bitter rivals. Messi now plays for Inter Miami in the United States.
Ronaldo is often hit with cries of 'Messi' by opposing fans and his patience has been tested in the past. In an incident unrelated to Messi, Ronaldo appeared to grab his genitals while walking towards the tunnel after a 2-0 defeat to Al-Hilal in April 2023.
Then, earlier this month, he picked up an Al-Hilal scarf thrown at him by a fan and shoved it down his shorts before throwing it away. That incident happened after Al-Nassr lost 2-0 to Al-Hilal in the Riyadh Season Cup final, a tournament that Messi played in for Miami.
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SAFF has not publicly responded to the latest incident but, according to Saudi newspaper Asharq al-Awsat via Reuters, the organisation is investigating Ronaldo's actions. Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, is undoubtedly the Saudi Pro League's biggest star.
"The disciplinary committee is facing the biggest test," Saudi writer and television host Waleed Al Farraj posted on X in response to the incident. "We will wait and see. Everything has its limits, no matter how famous you are. This is how the major leagues are."
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Ronaldo appeared to make the gesture towards Al-Shabab fans (NOT_MOTD/X)
The forward is now under investigation (NOT_MOTD/X)Ronaldo's questionable behaviour aside, Al-Nassr secured a big win against Al-Shabab in Riyadh. Ronaldo opened the scoring from the penalty spot before former Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco equalised for the hosts just before half-time.
Talisca then immediately restored Al-Nassr's advantage after the break, but Carlos equalised for Al-Shabab in the 67th minute. Then, with just four minutes left in the game, Talisca completed his brace and an important victory for Ronaldo's Saudi club.
The result leaves Al-Nassr second in the Saudi Pro League table and four points behind leaders Al-Hilal, who have a game in hand and are unbeaten. Al-Nassr are back in action on Thursday, as they take on bottom-placed Al-Hazm at home.
Although Al-Nassr's hopes of winning the title look slim, Ronaldo is enjoying another fabulous season. The veteran forward has scored 28 goals and provided 11 assists in 29 games for his club. He's the leading scorer in the Saudi Pro League with 22 goals.
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