Cristiano Ronaldo is facing scrutiny following Al-Nassr’s 3-2 victory over Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League. Despite scoring a goal in the away game, Ronaldo’s actions post-match have sparked controversy, with allegations of him making an offensive gesture towards fans.
After opening the scoring and contributing to the team’s win, Ronaldo drew attention by cupping his ear towards Al Shabab fans and making a repeated hand gesture near his pelvis. Audible chants of “Messi” further intensified the situation, referring to Ronaldo’s longtime Ballon d’Or rival from their days at Barcelona and Real Madrid.
It is speculated that these chants might have provoked Ronaldo, prompting his gesture as a response to the fans. The 39-year-old Portuguese could potentially face consequences for his actions, as the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has initiated an investigation.
Waleed Al Farraj, a prominent Saudi writer and television host, commented on the situation on social media, stating, “The disciplinary committee is facing the biggest test. We will wait and see. Everything has its limits, no matter how famous you are. This is how the major leagues are.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s club currently holds the second position
As of now, Al Nassr has not stated the incident. Ronaldo’s club currently holds the second position in the Saudi Pro League, trailing Al Hilal by four points. Despite missing out on the title in his first season after joining from Manchester United, they remain contenders for the Asian Champions League and are set to face Al-Ain in the quarter-finals next month.
Ronaldo leads the scoring charts in the Saudi Pro League this season, with an impressive 22 goals in 20 appearances. This incident is not the first time Ronaldo has faced criticism for his conduct, as he made a similar gesture in April last year after a league game against Al Hilal.
In a separate incident earlier this month, Ronaldo grabbed an Al Hilal scarf thrown at him from the stands, briefly placing it in his shorts before discarding it after Al Nassr’s 2-0 defeat in the Riyadh Season Cup final.
In conclusion, Ronaldo’s actions post-match have put him under scrutiny, and an investigation by SAFF is underway to assess the situation.
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FAQs
1. What triggered Cristiano Ronaldo’s controversial gestures after Al Nassr’s win?
- Ronaldo’s actions were seemingly in response to chants from Al Shabab fans, including audible references to his longstanding rival Lionel Messi.
2. Is there an official investigation into Cristiano Ronaldo’s conduct?
- Yes, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has launched an investigation into Ronaldo’s gestures, with potential consequences for his actions.
3. How has Al Nassr, Ronaldo’s club, responded to the incident?
- As of now, Al Nassr has not released an official statement regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s controversial post-match gestures.
4. Are there any historical instances of Ronaldo facing criticism for his behavior on the field?
- Yes, last April, Ronaldo made a similar gesture after a league game against Al Hilal, adding to the scrutiny surrounding his conduct.
5. How does this controversy impact Al Nassr’s standing in the Saudi Pro League?
- While the team currently sits second in the league, trailing Al Hilal by four points, the ongoing investigation could have implications for their position.
6. What other notable incidents involving Ronaldo’s behavior have occurred recently?
- In a separate incident, Ronaldo grabbed an Al Hilal scarf thrown at him from the stands during the Riyadh Season Cup final, attracting attention for his actions.
7. How is Ronaldo performing in terms of goal-scoring in the Saudi Pro League this season?
- Cristiano Ronaldo leads the scoring charts in the Saudi Pro League, boasting an impressive 22 goals in 20 appearances for Al Nassr.