Al Nassr Issue Statement On Cristiano Ronaldo Controversy After Alleged Offensive Gesture

Al Nassr have issued a statement defending Cristiano Ronaldo after the player caused controversy by performing what many perceived as an obscene gesture following Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at Al-Hilal.

Ronaldo was taunted by a section of Al-Hilal fans as he exited the field. Chants of "Messi, Messi", in reference to Ronaldo's famous rivalry with Lionel Messi, were aimed at the 38-year-old, who appeared to respond by grabbing his crotch.

This gesture caused great offense in Saudi Arabia, with Ronaldo accused of showing gross disrespect during the holy month of Ramadan.

However, his club have since claimed that Ronaldo was reacting to pain from a groin injury, rather than gesturing to fans, when he moved his hand towards his genital area.

The Al Nassr board explained the incident to journalist Muhammed Al-Enezi, who said in a statement on the club's behalf on Wednesday: "Ronaldo suffers from an injury. His challenge with Gustavo Cuellar, the Al-Hilal player, started with a blow in a very sensitive area.

"This is confirmed information. As for the fans' explanations, they are free to think whatever they want."

SEE MORE: Watch Cristiano Ronaldo Earn Yellow Card For WWE-Inspired Headlock During Al Nassr's Loss To Al-Hilal 

Cristiano Ronaldo was part of an Al Nassr team that lost 2-0 at Al-Hilal on Tuesday

Saudi Sports Company SSC/Twitter/@ssc_sports