Yardbarker
x

Al Nassr Issue Statement On Cristiano Ronaldo Controversy After Alleged Offensive Gesture

Originally posted on FanNation Futbol
By Robert Summerscales  |  Last updated 4/19/23

Al Nassr have issued a statement defending Cristiano Ronaldo after the player caused controversy by performing what many had perceived to be an obscene gesture following Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at Al-Hilal.

Ronaldo was taunted by a section of Al-Hilal fans as he exited the field. Chants of "Messi, Messi", in reference to Ronaldo's famous rivalry with Lionel Messi, were aimed at the 38-year-old, who appeared to respond by grabbing his crotch.

This gesture caused great offense in Saudi Arabia, with Ronaldo accused of showing gross disrespect during the holy month of Ramadan.

However, his club have since claimed that Ronaldo was reacting to pain from a groin injury, rather than gesturing to fans, when he moved his hand towards his genital area.

The Al Nassr board explained the incident to journalist Muhammed Al-Enezi, who said in a statement on the club's behalf on Wednesday: "Ronaldo suffers from an injury. His challenge with Gustavo Cuellar, the Al-Hilal player, started with a blow in a very sensitive area.

"This is confirmed information. As for the fans' explanations, they are free to think whatever they want."

SEE MORE: Watch Cristiano Ronaldo Earn Yellow Card For WWE-Inspired Headlock During Al Nassr's Loss To Al-Hilal 

This article first appeared on FanNation Futbol and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.