UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
Al-Nassr claim Cristiano Ronaldo was suffering with a groin issue as he faces calls for him to be deported from Saudi Arabia for grabbing his crotch in front of fans.
The Portuguese star endured a frustrating night as his Saudi outfit were beaten 2-0 by Al-Hilal, which saw them lose ground in the title race.
Ronaldo was booked for a clear rugby-style tackle on an opponent and also found himself in hot water after appearing to respond to Lionel Messi-related taunts shouted by fans.
Groin Gesture Lands Ronaldo in Hot Water
Ronaldo seemed to grab his genitals in front of a section of the crowd, which has since caused mass offence through the country.
It has led to a trend emerging online wanting Ronaldo ejected from the country, with the theme “Expelling the fan’s abuser.”
A Saudi lawyer named Nouf bin Ahmed has reacted to the incident and apparently wants Ronaldo to be reprimanded for his actions.
He said on social media: “It is considered a crime of public dishonor, and it is one of the crimes that entails arrest and deportation if committed by a foreigner.”
He also signaled his intent to file a complaint to the Saudi Prosecutor’s Office for Ronaldo’s “crime of public indecency”.
Al-Nassr, however, has cited a “sensitive” injury in that area of the body in an effort to downplay the gesture.
Al-Nassr Defend ‘Injured’ Ronaldo
The club’s management clarified the situation to journalist Muhammed Al-Enezi in a statement released on Wednesday in which he defended the player.
“Ronaldo is injured. His challenge to the Al-Hilal player, Gustavo Cuellar, began with a strike to a particularly sensitive area,” he said, “This is proven information.”
“Regarding admirer explanations, they are free to believe whatever they choose.”
Michael Oliver, the English referee, issued a yellow card for the club’s challenge, which drew widespread condemnation.
While his team trailed 1-0, Ronaldo appeared to let his frustration get the best of him by leaping up and seizing his opponent by the neck before dragging him from behind.
Messi supporters have long targeted Ronaldo due to the rivalry between the two players, who have dominated the sport’s individual accolades throughout the last two decades.
Before Al-Ittihad’s victory over Al-Nassr earlier this season, Al-Ittihad supporters made fun of the former Real Madrid player by holding up photographs of the Argentinean star.
Al-Nassr recently dismissed manager Rudi Garcia amid rumors of unrest in the club dressing room.
Former junior team coach Jelicic has taken over as interim manager, but it appears he will be unable to lead the club to the Saudi championship after their latest loss.
Following his tumultuous departure from Manchester United, Ronaldo received criticism for moving to the Middle East.
The player is earning enormous sums of money, but is no longer in contention for significant European titles.
Meanwhile, Messi continues to ply his trade at Paris-Saint Germain where he is on track to win the Ligue 1 title with the side this season.
However, the star has been linked with a move to Saudi in recent months and could finish his career there if Barca cannot lure him back in the coming seasons.
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!
