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Cristiano Ronaldo has been rebuked by a number of football fans in Saudi Arabia over his recent gesture in Al Nassr's defeat.
Cristiano Ronaldo recently made the headlines for his business on the pitch as usual.
However, this time, the 38-year-old Portuguese superstar’s actions have been called into question following Al Nassr’s 2-0 defeat against Al Hilal on Thursday night in the Saudi Pro League .
Ronaldo appeared to make an ‘x-rated’ gesture towards rival fans during the fierce contest between his side and the defending champions.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was bombarded with chants of Lionel Messi's name from Al-Hilal supporters throughout the match.
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Messi who’s PSG future remains in doubt has been linked with a mega-money move to Al Hilal and could join Ronaldo in the Middle East this summer, although, recent reports suggest his priority is a return back to his boyhood club Barcelona.
What did Ronaldo do?
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As Al-Nassr captain made his way off the pitch at the King Fahd International Stadium on Thursday night, he was met by huge jeers and chants of "Messi" from the home fans.
The Portugal skipper then grabbed his genitals, appearing to make a lewd gesture towards the supporters as per a report from The Mirror.
It is unclear at this stage whether Ronaldo's act was intentional but it has left Saudi Arabia fans with a bitter taste as his obscene gesture has triggered reactions.
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Ronaldo, who left Manchester United by mutual consent in November, was unable to help his side overcome the defending league champions as they lost 2-0 against Al Hilal courtesy of a penalty brace from Nigeria international striker Odion Ighalo.
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Ronaldo was then lucky to escape with a yellow card when he tackled Gustavo Cuellar around the neck highlighting his frustration in the game.
Al-Nassr needed a win to keep up with current league leaders Al-Ittihad as the result left them three points off the top of the table.
However, Ronaldo’s record in Saudi Arabia has been impressive this campaign despite only starting for the Al Nassr in January.
The prolific forward who is one of the richest footballers in the world has scored 11 goals and provided two assists in just 11 league games.
Al Nassr defends Ronaldo following calls for his deportation
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Following Ronaldo’s obscene gesture, football fans in the country started to call for the Portuguese’s expulsion from the country.
However, Al Nassr have now come out in defence of the player, saying the incident was blown out of proportion.
Al-Nassr attributed the veteran's actions to a ‘sensitive injury in the groin region,’ as per Goal.
A member of the club’s board revealed why Ronaldo did what he did in a statement.
"Ronaldo suffers from an injury. His challenge with Gustavo Cuellar, the Al-Hilal player, started with a blow in a very sensitive area. As for the fans’ explanations, they are free to think whatever they want," the statement read.
This would not be the first time Ronaldo has been taunted with chants of Lionel Messi on the pitch since his arrival at the club last December.
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