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Cristiano Ronaldo Faces Potential Heavy Ban After Controversial Gesture in Saudi Arabia
He scored once again and found himself back at the center of attention. This time, not for his numbers, but for a gesture that could prove costly… on and off the pitch.
Another goal… and a painful defeat
Cristiano Ronaldo found the net once again, continuing his pursuit of the personal milestone of 1,000 career goals, but the context was once again unfavorable. Al Nassr fell 3-1 to Al Hilal, their biggest rivals, and the Portuguese star’s goal was not enough to prevent another damaging defeat in the Saudi Pro League.
The setback is significant. Since the start of the new year, Ronaldo’s side have already lost to Al Ahli, Al Qadisiya, and now the league leaders, who have opened up a seven-point gap at the top of the table. The collective dream of securing Al Nassr’s first official title in Saudi Arabia is once again slipping away.
The gesture that raised alarms
Beyond the result, the moment that truly set off alarm bells was Cristiano Ronaldo’s reaction toward the referee. During the match played on January 12, the Portuguese forward made gestures suggesting that Al Nassr were being “robbed,” behavior that did not go unnoticed by the authorities.
According to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s Disciplinary and Ethics Code, the action could be classified as Offensive Conduct and Damage to the Integrity of Match Officials, offenses comparable to those outlined by FIFA when a referee’s integrity or impartiality is called into question.
What punishment could Cristiano face?
Based on recent precedents, incidents of this nature are usually assessed under articles related to insults or disgraceful conduct toward match officials. The potential sanction ranges from two to four matches suspended, in addition to a financial fine between 20,000 and 40,000 Saudi riyals (approximately $5,300 to $10,600 USD).
If the maximum punishment is applied, Cristiano Ronaldo could miss four key fixtures:
Al Shabab (Jan 17), Damac (Jan 21), Al Taawoun (Jan 26), and Al-Kholood (Jan 30). Such a scenario would further complicate Al Nassr’s already fragile title aspirations.
A disciplinary record that weighs heavily
Since arriving in Saudi Arabia, CR7 has already been involved in several controversial episodes. In February 2024, he received a one-match ban and a fine for making obscene gestures toward Al Shabab supporters following chants of “Messi.” Two months later, he was suspended for two matches after being sent off against Al Hilal in the Super Cup, with the referee’s report citing “disgraceful conduct.”
Even in 2023, he had already drawn criticism for gestures toward the stands, though on that occasion he avoided a more severe sporting sanction.
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to add goals to his tally — but also moments of tension. Now, the disciplinary committee holds the final decision… and the margin for error is minimal.
