Al-Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo banned for response to Lionel Messi chants

Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a one-match ban by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) for his response to chants about Lionel Messi.

The 39-year-old was pictured celebrating a goal scored in Al-Nassr's 3-2 win away against Al Shabab last Sunday by pumping his hands forward in front of his pelvic area in response to sections of the crowd chanting Messi's name.

Ronaldo's celebration was not captured by local broadcasting channels but it was later uploaded to social media, which led to Al Shabab filing a complaint, according to Saudi Arabian news outlet Arriyadiyah.

Following a review by the SAFF, Ronaldo is said to have violated Article 57-1 of the Disciplinary and Ethics Regulations and has subsequently been handed a one-match suspension, which was served on Wednesday as he watched on from the stands during Al-Nassr's 4-4 draw with Al-Hazm.

Ronaldo must also pay a fine of 30,000 Saudi Riyals (£6,300) for his gesture that was deemed to have 'provoked' supporters in the stadium.

As quoted by The Mirror, the article states: "Any person who causes public excitement by action, word, or gesture during any match shall be suspended for one match, and shall be punished with a fine of 10,000 riyals."

© Reuters

A spokesperson, via The Guardian, said: "The disciplinary and ethics committee at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation has issued a one-match ban to Cristiano Ronaldo as well as a 10,000 Saudi Riyal [£2,100] fine to Saff and 20,000 SAR fine payable to the opposition club Al-Shabab FC for 'provoking fans' or 'inciting fans' as per article 57 of the disciplinary and ethics committee at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation."

Although Ronaldo has denied suggestions that he has performed a 'disgraceful' gesture, the SAFF disciplinary and ethics committee have said that the Portuguese cannot appeal against the decision.

"I respect all clubs... and the movement in the shot expresses strength and victory, and is not disgraceful, and we have become accustomed to it in Europe, which is what I highlighted," said Ronaldo.

The rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi captivated the sporting world when both players were competing in Europe for almost two decades, before the former opted to make the headline transfer to Al-Nassr from Manchester United in January 2021.

Ronaldo and Messi picked up 12 of the 13 Ballon d'Or awards between them from 2008 to 2021, with the one aberration during this spell being Luka Modric's triumph in 2018.

Messi, who currently plies his trade in MLS with Inter Miami, has now won a total of eight Ballon d'Ors compared to the five scooped by Ronaldo, who was last awarded the individual honour in 2017 during his time at Real Madrid.

Ronaldo, who has scored 42 goals in 48 appearances for Al-Nassr, will be available to return for the Saudi side against Al Ain in the AFC Champions League next Monday before they play host to Al-Raed in the Saudi Pro League three days later.