Cristiano Ronaldo 'summoned to explain himself in Saudi Arabia' after appearing to make rude gesture

Cristiano Ronaldo 'summoned to explain himself in Saudi Arabia' after appearing to make rude gesture

WATCH NOW: Cristiano Ronaldo appears to make rude gesture during Al-Nassr win

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 28/02/2024

- 09:44

The 39-year-old scored in his side's 3-2 victory over Al-Shbab on Sunday night

Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly been summoned by Saudi Arabia football chiefs after appearing to make an obscene gesture during Al-Nassr's 3-2 victory over Al-Shabab on Sunday night.

The Portugal international netted a penalty during his side's crucial victory, with Anderson Talisca netting twice.


The result means Al-Nassr kept their hopes of Saudi Pro League glory alive, with Ronaldo's team currently second in the standings behind Al-Hilal.

But Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure after he was mocked with taunts about arch-rival Lionel Messi during the contest.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly been summoned in Saudi Arabia after appearing to make a rude gesture

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After the game, footage uploaded on social media seemed to show the former Manchester United star making a rude gesture.

And Al-Riyadiah, per AS, claim the football icon has now been 'summoned' by Saudi Arabian chiefs.

It's claimed Ronaldo will have to explain himself and shed light on why he made the gesture.

If his answer doesn't satisfy the Saudi Football Federation, then Ronaldo could be slapped with a two-match ban.

There's also the possibility the veteran will have to pay a fine as well.

AS say Ronaldo is 'on the ropes' in this scenario, with the footage damning for a player of his calibre.

The Ethics and Disciplinary Committee of the Saudi Pro League will make a final decision on a potential punishment once they've fully investigated the matter.

Ronaldo, if banned, would be a huge loss for Al-Nassr.

He has scored in all of the club's last nine games in all competitions and could miss big fixtures against Al-Hazm and Al-Raed if he receives a suspension.

Ronaldo has 28 goals for the campaign in total, showing age is just a number as he continues to deliver on a regular basis.

The 39-year-old has enjoyed a stellar career in the sport so far, establishing himself as one of the best players to grace the game.

His rivalry with Messi has fascinated millions around the world, too.

The pair first met when strutting their stuff for United and Barcelona respectively all the way back in 2008.

Their first meeting as rivals ended in a goalless draw, with the Red Devils and their Catalan counterparts cancelling each other out in a Champions League stalemate.

Messi got a first win over Ronaldo when Barcelona beat United in the final of the 2009 Champions League.

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Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to make the obscene gesture during Al-Nassr's victory over Al-Shabab on Sunday night

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The pair have met 36 times in total over the years, including in matches for Portugal and Argentina.

Messi has netted 22 goals during those fixtures, with Ronaldo netting 21.

And the World Cup winner has also bagged 12 assists, with his nemesis managing one in comparison.

In September last year, Ronaldo claimed their rivalry was 'over'.

“The rivalry is over,” Ronaldo said. “It was good, a healthy rivalry that spectators liked a lot.

Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 28 goals across all competitions for Al-Nassr this season

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"Whoever likes Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t have to hate Messi or vice-versa because they’re both very good. They changed the history of football, and they keep on doing it.

“We are respected throughout the world, that’s the most important thing.

"He makes his way, I make mine, even if we are playing outside Europe. He has done well, from what I’ve seen, and so have I.

"It’s about continuing. The legacy continues. The rivalry, I don’t see things like that.

"I’ve already said, we’ve shared the stage for 15 years and we ended up being, I wouldn’t say friends, because I never dined with him, but we are professional colleagues and we respect each other.”

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