Saudi Football Federation Suspends Cristiano Ronaldo Over Provocative Gesture
29th Feb 2024
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation announced the suspension of Cristiano Ronaldo, the Al-Nassr captain, and former Manchester United legend, for one game. The decision, made on Thursday, comes in response to a gesture Ronaldo made during last weekend’s match, deemed by officials as a “provocation” that violated regulations against inciting the public.
Accompanying the suspension is a hefty fine totaling 30,000 riyals ($8,000), a significant penalty signaling the seriousness with which the federation views such conduct on the pitch. The ruling also states that there will be no avenue for appeal, cementing the consequences for Ronaldo’s actions.
π¨ OFFICIAL: For this gesture, Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for one match. βπΈπ¦ pic.twitter.com/EKn8poE5ga
β Football Tweet β½ξ¨ (@Football__Tweet) February 29, 2024
The incident in question occurred during Al-Nassr’s thrilling 3-2 victory against Al-Shabab, where video footage captured Ronaldo making repeated thrusting gestures towards his groin. Reportedly, this action was a response to taunts from the crowd, who were chanting the name of his longtime rival, Lionel Messi.
The controversy quickly spread across social media platforms in Saudi Arabia, dominating discussions and becoming a top trending topic. Ronaldo, however, defended his actions, claiming that the gesture symbolized “strength and victory” rather than intending offense. He asserted that such behavior is acceptable within the context of European football culture.
Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr in January 2023 marked a significant milestone for Saudi football, as he became one of the first major international stars to join a Saudi Pro League team. His signing was part of a broader trend of top-tier players, including Karim Benzema, Neymar, and Sadio Mane, being lured to the kingdom by lucrative contracts.
The suspension of Ronaldo comes at a crucial time for Saudi Arabia’s football ambitions, with the nation gearing up to host the 2034 World Cup. However, amidst the excitement surrounding these developments, Saudi Arabia has faced criticism from detractors who accuse the country of “sportswashing” β using sports as a means to divert attention from broader issues such as human rights and environmental concerns.
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