Cristiano Ronaldo suspended for one match over obscene gesture in Saudi League match

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Cristiano Ronaldo was suspended for one match for appearing to make an obscene gesture after Al Nassr's 3-2 win over Al Shabab, the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Football Federation (SAFF) said on Wednesday.

Footage shows the Portuguese star on Sunday cupping his ear and repeatedly thrusting his hand forward near his pelvis, in a gesture that seemed to be aimed at the opponents' fans.

The committee said Ronaldo must also pay a fine of 10,000 Saudi riyals ($2,666) to the Football Association, and 20,000 riyals ($5,332) to Al-Shabab to cover the expenses of filing the complaint. The decision is not subject to appeal.​​​​​​​

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner moved to Al-Nassr from Manchester United last year, and several big-name players have since followed on his footsteps, ditching top European leagues for the Saudi Pro League.​​​​​​​