FILE - Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr Cristiano Ronaldo reacts in a match with Iran's Persepolis during their AFC Champions League soccer match at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo has come under heavy criticism after seemingly making an offensive gesture following Al Nassrs 3-2 victory over Al Shabab in a Saudi Pro League match on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi), File)FILE - Cristiano Ronaldo speaks during a press conference for his official unveiling as a new member of Al Nassr soccer club in in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo has come under heavy criticism after seemingly making an offensive gesture following Al Nassrs 3-2 victory over Al Shabab in a Saudi Pro League match on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil, File)FILE - Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring his side's second goal playing for a combined XI of Saudi Arabian teams Al Nassr and PSG during a friendly soccer match, at the King Saud University Stadium, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo has come under heavy criticism after seemingly making an offensive gesture following Al Nassrs 3-2 victory over Al Shabab in a Saudi Pro League match on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File)
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
FILE - Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr Cristiano Ronaldo reacts in a match with Iran's Persepolis during their AFC Champions League soccer match at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo has come under heavy criticism after seemingly making an offensive gesture following Al Nassrs 3-2 victory over Al Shabab in a Saudi Pro League match on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi), File)
RIYADH – Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly being investigated for making an alleged offensive gesture while playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
Footage on social media appeared to show Ronaldo cupping his ear and repeatedly thrusting his hand forward near his pelvis, seemingly aimed at rival Al Shabab supporters. The incident occurred on Sunday after Al Nassr beat Al Shabab 3-2.
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In the background were chants of “Messi.” Lionel Messi is Ronaldo’s longstanding soccer rival.
While the incident was not captured by television cameras, criticism of the 39-year-old Portugal striker has been swift. Local media reports say the Saudi Arabia Football Federation has opened an investigation.
He could face a suspension. Al Nassr's next match is on Thursday.
Ronaldo, who moved to the Riyadh-based club in December 2022, has a league-leading 22 goals. His scored the opener against Al Shabab, a first half penalty.
Al Nassr trails fellow league leader Al Hilal by four points, having played a game more.
Al Nassr is also in the quarterfinals of the Asian Champions League, a tournament it has never won.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
