Cristiano Ronaldo criticised for appearing to make obscene gesture during Al Nassr win

Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 39, encountered a barrage of disapproval after seemingly displaying an offensive gesture subsequent to Al Nassr's thrilling 3-2 victory against Al Shabab in a captivating match of the Saudi Pro League on Sunday.

The Portugal forward initiated the scoring by converting a penalty in the 21st minute, however, Al Nassr had to rely on a late brace from Brazilian Talisca, who scored twice, to secure the victory with only four minutes remaining.

Following the conclusion of the match, videos circulating on social media captured Ronaldo cupping his ear and repeatedly gesturing forward with his hand near his pelvic area. It seemed that this action was aimed at the opposing Al Shabab supporters.

In the background, chants of "Messi" could be heard, alluding to Ronaldo's longstanding football rival from Argentina.

Although the incident was not captured by television cameras, some Saudi pundits expressed the opinion that Ronaldo should face disciplinary action.

While there has been no official response, Saudi newspaper Asharq al-Awsat reported that the national football federation (SAFF) has initiated an investigation into the matter.

"The disciplinary committee is facing a significant challenge. We will observe and wait," commented Waleed Al Farraj, a prominent Saudi writer and television host, on the social media platform X.

"Regardless of one's fame, there are limits to everything. This is how major leagues operate."

Al Nassr was not immediately available for comment.

Ronaldo has encountered similar backlash in the past. In April of the previous year, he seemed to touch his private area while heading towards the dugout after a league match against Al Hilal, which resulted in a 2-0 loss for Al Nassr.

Just recently, he received an Al Hilal scarf thrown at him from the crowd, placed it in his shorts, and then discarded it as he made his way towards the tunnel following Al Nassr's 2-0 defeat in the Riyadh Season Cup final.

Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr as a free agent in late 2022, currently leads the scoring charts in the Saudi league with 22 goals in 20 appearances this season.

Al Nassr holds the second position in the table with 52 points, trailing Al Hilal by four points, who have a game advantage.