Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for one game following a gesture that was considered obscene. The announcement was made by the Saudi Arabian Football Association this past Wednesday. Ronaldo’s gesture, directed towards the Saudi-Arabian audience, has sparked a great deal of controversy and criticism.
Internet videos circulated depicting the 39-year-old Portuguese player gesticulating towards opposing fans and making hand movements in his lower back region after his team’s 3-2 victory over Al Shabab by Al-Nassr on Sunday. Prior to the gesture, Ronaldo was seen briefly putting his hand to his ear. The videos captured from the stands also included chants of “Messi”. Lionel Messi has been Ronaldo’s primary competitor over the years, especially in regards to awards for individual accomplishments.
Despite the incident not being broadcasted on television, videos of it quickly spread across the internet, leading to outraged responses. Consequently, the Saudi Football Association SAFF launched an investigation into the matter.
During the victory, Ronaldo scored from a penalty kick in the first half, leading the team’s top scorer list in the league with 22 goals. Al Nassr currently ranks second in the table, trailing four points behind Al Hilal.
