Ronaldo appeared to hit back at Al-Shabab fans (Picture: Getty/X)
Cristiano Ronaldo could be in hot water after appearing to make an obscene gesture towards supporters who taunted him by chanting them name of his long-time rival Lionel Messi.
The former Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United star opened the scoring for Al-Nassr against Al-Shabab in Sunday’s Saudi Pro League clash.
Al-Nassr clinched a 3-2 win with Al-Shabab supporters jeering Ronaldo at full-time with chants of ‘Messi, Messi, Messi!’, Ronaldo’s eternal rival, ringing at around the stadium.
As the chants continued, Ronaldo was seen cupping his hand to his ear before pumping his right arm in front of his groin.
Clips of the incident quickly circulated on social media on Sunday with Saudi newspaper Asharq al-Awsat reporting the national football federation (SAFF) has opened an investigation into the incident.
‘The disciplinary committee is facing the biggest test. We will wait and see,’ Waleed Al Farraj, a prominent Saudi writer and television host, said on X.
‘Everything has its limits, no matter how famous you are. This is how the major leagues are.’
Ronaldo opened the scoring during Sunday’s game (Picture: Getty)
It is not the first time Ronaldo has come under fire in recent weeks.
Earlier this month, video footage appeared to show the Portugal international shoving a fan’s scarf down his pants before throwing it back towards the crowd.
In April last year, Ronaldo appeared to grab his crotch as he made his way off the pitch following a 2-0 defeat to Al-Hilal.
Again on that occasion, he was targeted with ‘Messi’ chants by opposition supporters.
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in January 2023 after Manchester United terminated his contract at Old Trafford.
More Trending
The 39-year-old has scored 28 goals in 29 appearances for his club this season, adding his latest from the penalty spot on Sunday night.
Al-Nassr were pegged back by former Atletico Madrid star Yannick Carrasco with Ronaldo’s teammate Talisca scoring twice to seal the win for the away side.
The result leaves Al-Nassr second in the Saudi Pro League, trailing league leaders Al-Hilal by four points having also played a game more.