In a thrilling 4-4 draw with Al Hazm in the Saudi Pro League, Al Nassr faced an unexpected setback as Cristiano Ronaldo was notably absent from the field. Despite Anderson Talisca’s hat-trick and Sadio Mane’s contribution, Al Nassr couldn’t secure a victory, with Al Hazm equalizing in the 10th minute of added time. This draw further distances Ronaldo’s side from league leaders Al Hilal, who currently enjoy a six-point advantage.
Ronaldo’s Unexplained Absence
Ronaldo, having missed some pre-season games due to injury, was conspicuously absent against Al Hazm. Contrary to expectations, the absence wasn’t related to his prior injuries. The Sporting News delves into the reasons behind Ronaldo’s missing presence and speculates on his potential return.
The Ban Revelation
Reports emerged on February 26 hinting at Ronaldo facing a two-game ban in the Saudi Pro League. Allegedly, he made an “obscene gesture” toward Al Shabab fans who taunted him during their league game the previous weekend. Sources like Sky News and The Daily Mail suggested an ongoing investigation by Saudi Arabia’s football federation.
On February 29, The Athletic reported that Ronaldo received a one-match suspension, coupled with a 10,000 Saudi riyals ($2,666) fine, payable to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. An additional fine, double the initial amount, was imposed, payable to Al Shabab. Furthermore, Ronaldo is obligated to cover the costs of the complaint process. The PA news agency later confirmed these details, quoting the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee’s statement.
🚨🚨| OFFICIAL: Cristiano Ronaldo has received a one-match suspension for allegedly making an obscene gesture during Al Nassr’s 3-2 victory over Al Shabab. pic.twitter.com/WVuHI29vV9
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) February 29, 2024
Ronaldo’s Return on the Horizon
As the suspension is limited to one game, Ronaldo is expected to make a swift return for Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League clash with Al Ain. The upcoming match is scheduled at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 11 a.m. ET.
Unraveling the Incident
Ronaldo’s absence stems from accusations of making an obscene gesture toward Al Shabab fans during the February 25 league game. Chanted provocatively with “Messi, Messi,” opposition fans sought to mock him with the name of his long-time rival Lionel Messi, a trend since Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia in late 2022.
Post-game, Ronaldo approached a section of Al Shabab fans, cupping his ear and swiftly moving his hand back and forth in front of his pelvis. While not televised, mobile phone footage and stadium photographs circulated on social media, exposing the controversial incident.
In conclusion, Ronaldo’s suspension casts a shadow on Al Nassr’s recent performance, and all eyes are now on his imminent return for the crucial AFC Champions League clash against Al Ain.
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