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Cristiano Ronaldo has finally broken his silence after his controversial celebration during Al-Nassr's thrilling 3-2 win over Al-Shabab sparked outrage.
The football icon faced backlash for his provocative gesture in response to Al-Shabab fans who taunted him with chants of "Messi, Messi".
Ronaldo's actions, which included cupping his ears and then making a gesture towards his groin area, have led to a summons by Saudi Pro League officials demanding an explanation.
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Ronaldo's Defense Amidst Controversy
Ronaldo, aged 39, has defended his celebration, clarifying his intentions and stressing that he did not mean to offend. "I respect all clubs," Ronaldo stated as reported by Daily Mail.
"And the joy after the [game] expresses strength and victory, and it is not shameful. We are used to it in Europe." His comments come in the wake of criticism, with reports from Marca highlighting the gesture as 'immoral' in the conservative country, suggesting Ronaldo could face a minimum two-match suspension and a fine.
Despite the potential sanctions, Ronaldo's on-field performance remains unparalleled, boasting an impressive tally of 34 goals in 25 appearances for Al-Nassr this season.
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His move to the Saudi Pro League in 2022 has brought significant attention to the league, though it appears his legendary status may not shield him from disciplinary actions.
Match Highlights and Potential Implications
Ronaldo's controversial moment occurred after he initiated the scoring with a penalty, only for Al-Shabab to equalize through Yannick Carrasco.
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Al-Nassr regained the lead and eventually clinched the victory, thanks to Talisca's efforts, with Ronaldo celebrating the win amidst the contentious circumstances.
The Ethics and Disciplinary Committee of the Saudi Pro League is set to hear from Ronaldo directly before deciding on any disciplinary measures.
A possible two-match ban would see Ronaldo missing key games against Al Hazem and Al Raed, potentially impacting Al-Nassr's title chase.
Currently, Al-Nassr sits second in the league, trailing leaders Al-Hilal by seven points with nine games to go, making every match critical in their pursuit of the championship.
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