11 March 2024 , 09:00
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Cristiano Ronaldo has underlined his "respect" for Saudi culture after serving his ban for an obscene gesture.
The Portuguese forward was banned for one game by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation earlier this month after responding to chants of "Messi" by pointing towards his pelvic region. The 39-year-old was also fined 30,000 Saudi Riyals (£6,300).
It was decided that Ronaldo had violated Article 57-1 of the Disciplinary and Ethics Regulations, which reads: "Any person who causes public excitement by action, word, or gesture during any match shall be suspended for one match, and shall be punished with a fine of 10,000 riyals."
Having served his ban, Ronaldo has attempted to explain his actions and claimed he did not mean to cause any offence. Speaking in a press conference, he said: "I will always respect the cultures of all countries, as I have respected to this day, but not always what people see is reality.
"As I said and I will say again, it is obvious that I will not do it again in this country, but in Europe, it is very normal. Sometimes the passion and excitement of the game leads us to make some mistakes."
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Ronaldo's reasoning is very similar to his claims immediately after his gesture. The Portuguese said at the time: "I respect all clubs. And the joy after the [game] expresses strength and victory, and it is not shameful. We are used to it in Europe."
Al-Nassr's only game without Ronaldo was certainly a dramatic one as were held to a 4-4 draw by struggling Al-Hazem. Sadio Mane had scored a 94th-minute penalty to seemingly secure a dramatic win, only for Al-Hazem to find the net in the tenth minute of stoppage time to steal a point. Al-Nassr also lost upon Ronaldo's return with a 3-1 defeat by Al-Raed at home.
Cristiano Ronaldo ina action against Al-Shabab (NOT_MOTD/X)
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Al-Nassr are now second in the Saudi Pro League table and eight points behind current leaders, Al-Hilal. Ronaldo has been in excellent form throughout the majority of the season.
The ex-Manchester United star has 28 goals and 11 assists in all competitions this term. He will be hoping to get back on the scoresheet on Monday evening as Al-Nassr take on Al Ain in the second leg of their AFC Champions League quarter-final meeting.
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