Image source: worldsoccertalk.com
Cristiano Ronaldo was caught on camera making a pointed gesture suggesting Al Nassr had been “robbed” following their 3-1 Saudi Pro League defeat to Al Hilal, with the viral moment potentially exposing the Portuguese star to disciplinary action including a two to four-match suspension.
Ronaldo Faces Potential Suspension After Claiming Al Nassr Were ‘Robbed’ in Al Hilal Loss
Al Nassr controlled possession and created the clearest chances in the opening period, with Ronaldo giving his side a deserved lead in the 42nd minute. The Portuguese forward finished from close range after receiving a well-weighted layoff from Kingsley Coman, capping a dominant first-half performance from the visitors against the home side.
The match turned dramatically early in the second half when defender Mohamed Simakan brought down Malcom in the box, resulting in a penalty that Salem Al-Dawsari calmly converted for the equaliser. Moments later, goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi struck Ruben Neves while attempting to retrieve the ball from the net, prompting referee Francois Letexier to review the incident via VAR and issue a straight red card that dramatically altered the contest.
Al Hilal completed their turnaround in the 81st minute when Mohamed Kanno fired home a right-footed strike off a Neves cross, before Ronaldo was substituted for Wesley and exited the pitch visibly frustrated. Letexier awarded a second penalty following another foul on Al-Dawsari, which Neves converted to seal the result and open up a commanding lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League table.
As Neves celebrated from the penalty spot, television cameras captured Ronaldo looking directly into the lens and waving his hand with a wry smile, a clear gesture of protest aimed at the officiating. The viral moment showed the Al Nassr captain suggesting his side had been wronged in the decisive encounter, with his actions potentially classified as a serious offence for attacking the dignity or integrity of a match official.
Under Saudi Pro League regulations, Ronaldo’s gestures could result in a suspension of two to four matches along with a fine ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 SAR, approximately 5,300 to 10,600 dollars. A similar incident occurred in April 2024 during the Saudi Super Cup semifinals when Ronaldo received a two-match suspension and 20,000 SAR fine after appearing to gesture toward referee Mohammed Al-Huwaish in a threatening manner following his dismissal for elbowing an Al Hilal player.
