Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been slapped with a one-match suspension and financial penalties by the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Football Federation.
The decision comes in the wake of an incident following Al Nassr's 3-2 victory over Al Shabab, where Ronaldo, amidst chants of "Messi" from rival fans, made an apparent obscene gesture.
The Portuguese forward, leading the Golden Boot rankings with 22 goals this season, will also have to pay a fine of 10,000 Saudi riyals to the Saudi Football Federation and an additional 20,000 riyals to Al-Shabab, covering the costs of the complaint filing fees.
The committee firmly stated that the decision is not subject to appeal, leaving Ronaldo to ponder the consequences of his actions.
The controversy deepened as videos circulated on social media captured Ronaldo cupping his ear and making provocative gestures directed at Al Shabab supporters. The background chants of "Messi" further fueled the tension, referencing Ronaldo's longstanding football rivalry with the Argentine star.
In an attempt to defend his actions, Cristiano Ronaldo responded, stating, "I respect all clubs."
"And the joy after the shot expresses strength and victory, and it is not shameful. We are used to it in Europe," Ronaldo was reported as saying by Saudi Arabian publication Al-Riyadiya.
Despite Cristiano Ronaldo's explanation, the severity of the committee's decision remains unchanged.
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