Cristiano Ronaldo scores and his team wins 3-2 – but a gesture after the final whistle causes a lot of criticism and a stir in Saudi Arabia.
Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo caused great excitement and criticism in Saudi Arabia with a gesture that was perceived as obscene. In videos circulating on the Internet, the 39-year-old Portuguese appears to be gesticulating towards opposing fans and making hand movements in his lumbar area after his team Al-Nassr’s 3-2 win against Al Shabab on Sunday. Beforehand, he had briefly put his hand to his ear.
In the videos, shouts of “Messi” can be heard from the stands. Lionel Messi is Ronaldo’s long-time rival, particularly for awards of individual achievement.
Saudi Football Association launches investigation
According to media reports, the situation was not shown on TV, but videos of it quickly circulated on the Internet and caused outraged reactions in local media. Accordingly, the Saudi football association SAFF is said to have initiated an investigation.
Ronaldo scored from a penalty in the first half of the win and leads the top scorers list with 22 goals. Al Nassr is in second place in the table, four points behind Al Hilal.