By
The Associated Press
Cristiano Ronaldo has received harsh criticism after making an obscene gesture after the match that Al Nassr, his club in the Saudi Arabian league, won 3-2 on Sunday against Al Shabab.
Images posted on social media show the five-time Ballon d'Or winner putting his hand on his ear and
making an obscene gesture with his right arm near his pelvis
, apparently towards Al Shabab fans.
Constant shouts of “Messi, Messi” could be heard from rival fans.
The Argentine star Lionel Messi has been the eternal adversary of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Although the incident was not captured by television cameras and only by amateur videos, criticism of the 39-year-old attacker did not take long and local media reported that
the Saudi football federation opened an investigation.
FILE - Cristiano Ronaldo of the Saudi club Al Nassr during the match against Persepolis of Iran in the Asian Champions League, Tuesday, September 19, 2023, in Tehran.Vahid Salemi / AP
Cristiano could be suspended, meaning he would miss Al Nassr's next match on Thursday against Al Hazem.
After signing with the Riyadh-based club in December 2022, Cristiano leads the current season with 22 goals.
The most recent was against Al Shabab when he converted a penalty to open the scoring in the first half.
A double from Brazilian Talisca, including a goal four minutes from time, sealed Al Nassr's victory.
Al Nassr is seven points behind leader Al Hilal, another club that has spent astronomical amounts to bring renowned players to the Saudi league.
Al Nassr also competes in the Asian Champions League, a tournament he has never won.
They will face Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates in the quarterfinals next month.