The Disciplinary Committee of the Saudi Football Federation announced this February 29 the one-match suspension of Portuguese star Cristiano RonaldoAl-Nasr forward, and the imposition of a fine of 10,000 Saudi riyals ($2,666.54) for the obscene gestures he made towards the fans of the Al-Shabab team on the last day of the domestic league.
The Committee said in a statement that it had examined the complaint presented by the Al-Shabab Club, that it had heard Ronaldo’s response to the accusations and that it had requested from the official channel that broadcast the match the footage of the incident that occurred in the final minutes of the match between the two. clubs, which ended 3-2 in favor of Al-Nasr.
“The complaint was accepted in form and substance, following it was proven that Al-Nasr player Cristiano Ronaldo violated article (57-1) of the Disciplinary and Ethics Regulations“, indicated the Committee.
Thus, it was decided “suspend Cristiano Ronaldo for one match from all official matches in which he has the right to participate (at local level) and force the player to pay 10,000 rials to the account of the Saudi Football Federation. “
Besides, Al-Nasr Club was forced to pay 20,000 rials to Al-Shabab Clubfor the costs of filing the complaint, and confirmed that all decisions made are not subject to appeal.
The Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya published this Thursday that the reduced sanction for CR7 occurred following the player claimed in his defense that he respects all Saudi clubs and that the gesture he made was an expression of joy following the victory. and not obscene, as it has been interpreted in the country, which is very conservative and has strict Islamic observance.
In addition, he said that he was already used to holding similar celebrations in European stadiums.
CR7 repeatedly shook his arm at the level of his pelvis as he addressed the rival team’s fans, who had been shouting “Messi, Messi” during the match.
The reaction came following Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammate, Anderson Talisca, scored the winning goal in the 86th minute of the match.
Many Saudis defined the gesture as “immoral”, “obscene” and “rude” in numerous messages, especially in X.
This is the third time that Ronaldo directs “obscene” gestures at the fans, since he did the same act on two previous occasions once morest Al Hilal; the first in the League last April, following being booed following his team’s defeat.
The second was this month, following a fan threw a blue scarf from the Al Hilal team onto the pitch and Cristiano grabbed it and put it in his pants before throwing it once more towards the stands of the rival fans.
Walid Al Farraj, host of one of the most famous sports television programs in Saudi Arabia, ‘Action Maa Walid’, went so far as to say in his space that Ronaldo has gone “beyond the limits” and that it is time to “take decisions” so that the matter does not damage the reputation of the Saudi League.
“Those responsible for the Disciplinary Committee face the most difficult test. We will wait and see, but everything has limits. It doesn’t matter how much of a star you are (referring to Cristiano). This is the big leagues,” said Al Farraj.
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