Cristiano Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever, having been credited with pioneering the mass exodus of European star players to the Saudi Pro League following his move to Al-Nassr from Manchester United. He signed a staggering contract worth $75 million per year in January 2023.
Ronaldo continues to showcase his goal-scoring pedigree by leading the attack for the Riyadh club, thereby expanding his legacy to the Middle East. Amidst this, the pro league side will be missing their star Portuguese striker in their upcoming league fixture due to a punishment from the federation.
Cristiano Ronaldo gets fined and one-game ban for wild celebration
Over the past week, Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Al-Nassr has been facing the heat of severe criticism after the clips surfaced of him making obscene gestures towards Al-Shabab’s home supporters during a recent Saudi Pro League meeting at Al Shabab FC Stadium on Sunday.
Al-Nassr secured a hard-fought 3-2 win over the hosts. Following the full-time whistle, the home crowd was heard chanting Messi’s name, the long-standing competitor of Ronaldo, to provoke the Portuguese star during their celebrations. In response, the striker was captured making a gesture by pumping his hand forward in front of his pelvic area.
The incident was reported to the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Football Federation (SAFF) by Al-Shabab, demanding action against the former Real Madrid star. Following the hearing, the federation imposed a single-match suspension on Ronaldo and deemed his action as ‘public excitement by gesture.’
Furthermore, the committee has ordered the 39-year-old to pay a total fine of 30,000 Saudi Riyals (£6,300), allocating 10,000 Saudi Riyals to the SAFF and 20,000 Riyals to Al Shabab to cover the complaint filing fees. Consequently, the Manchester United icon will be unavailable for today’s fixture against Al-Hazm.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s importance to Al-Nassr’s attack
Cristiano Ronaldo, the spearhead of Al-Nassr’s attack, has demonstrated exceptional goal-scoring prowess for the Riyadh-based team since the season’s start. He currently stands as their leading goal scorer, with 28 goals from 29 appearances across all competitions.
Recently, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner marked another major milestone with a game-winning goal against Al-Feiha in the AFC Champions League Round of 16.
This victory took his club a step closer to the continental title and secured their progression into the Quarterfinal. Meanwhile, domestically, the Luis Castro-managed Al-Nassr is currently second in the league table, just behind Al-Hilal, in stiff competition for the league title.
