The Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Football Federation (SAFF) has suspended Cristiano Ronaldo for one match after he appeared to make a lewd gesture on the pitch during a Saudi Pro League fixture between Al Nassr and Al Shabab.
The incident unfolded on Sunday, February 25 when Al-Nassr pipped Al-Shabab 3-2. In a video that has taken social media by storm, Ronaldo can be seen cupping his left ear before pumping his right hand in the forward direction multiple times in front of his crotch.
Watch the video of the incident:
Ronaldo's action appeared to be directed at a section of spectators who came to the game to voice support for Al Shabab. Chants of "Messi, Messi" can be heard in the background of the viral video which suggests that some spectators tried taunting the Portuguese star, referencing his well-documented rivalry with the Argentine footballer.
The committee has confirmed that the forward will have to pay a fine of 10,000 Saudi riyals (USD 2,666) to the Saudi Football Federation. In addition to that, he has also been asked to pay 20000 riyals to Al-Shabab to compensate for the cost of the complaint filing fees.
The committee informed that the decision is not subject to appeal.
Saudi Pro League Points Table 2023-24:
| Teams |
Matches |
Wins |
Draws |
Losses |
Goals for |
Goals against |
Goal difference |
Points |
| Al Hilal |
21 |
19 |
2 |
0 |
64 |
10 |
+54 |
59 |
| Al Nassr |
21 |
17 |
1 |
3 |
60 |
26 |
+34 |
52 |
| Al Ahli |
21 |
13 |
4 |
4 |
47 |
23 |
+24 |
43 |
| Al Taawoun |
21 |
11 |
5 |
5 |
36 |
24 |
+12 |
38 |
| Al Ittihad |
21 |
11 |
4 |
6 |
41 |
27 |
+14 |
37 |
| Damac |
21 |
8 |
7 |
6 |
36 |
27 |
+9 |
31 |
| Al Fatah |
21 |
8 |
6 |
7 |
35 |
29 |
+6 |
30 |
| Al Ettifaq |
21 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
24 |
24 |
0 |
28 |
| Al Wehda |
21 |
8 |
2 |
11 |
33 |
37 |
-4 |
26 |
| Al Fayha |
21 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
25 |
34 |
-9 |
25 |
