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Cristiano Ronaldo Investigated for Obscene Gesture to Heckling Saudi Fans, per Report

The Portuguese soccer star is under scrutiny by Saudi Arabia’s national football federation in regard to an incident after Al-Nassr’s match at Al-Shabab on Sunday.
Tim Capurso|
Cristiano Ronaldo Investigated for Obscene Gesture to Heckling Saudi Fans, per Report
Cristiano Ronaldo Investigated for Obscene Gesture to Heckling Saudi Fans, per Report

Cristiano Ronaldo is facing an investigation after he appeared to make an obscene gesture toward jeering fans during Al-Nassr’s win over Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League at Al-Shabab Club Stadium on Sunday. 

As Ronaldo celebrated Al-Nassr’s 3—2 road win, some fans started up a “Messi” chant in a nod to Ronaldo’s longtime rival. The Portuguese star smiled and put his hand up to his ear, then pumped his hand near his groin area while facing the stands, a gesture that seemingly was directed at the heckling Al-Shabab fans. 

Al-Nassr has yet to comment on the gesture, but Saudi newspaper Asharq al-Awsat reported that the national football federation is investigating Ronaldo’s actions. 

It’s not the first time that Ronaldo, who scored his Saudi league-leading 22nd goal Sunday, has responded to heckling fans, as he drew criticism for two separate incidents involving Al-Hilal fans earlier this month and in April 2023. 

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2022, signing a lucrative contract, which equates to roughly $200 million per year. 

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Tim Capurso
TIM CAPURSO

Tim Capurso is a staff writer for Sports Illustrated, primarily covering MLB, college football and college basketball. Before joining SI in November 2023, Capurso worked at RotoBaller and ClutchPoints and is a graduate of Assumption University. When he's not working, he can be found at the gym, reading a book or enjoying a good hike. A resident of New York, Capurso openly wonders if the Giants will ever be a winning football team again.

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