Cristiano Ronaldo's Behavior Sparks Outrage in Saudi Arabia Once Again

Monday 06 May 2024 - 09:40

Cristiano Ronaldo's actions have once again stirred controversy in Saudi Arabia, with a recent gesture from the Portuguese international provoking outrage among Saudi media outlets, despite his hat-trick heroics for Al-Nassr against Al-Wehda.

The former Real Madrid superstar etched his name on the scoresheet thrice, taking his tally to an impressive 32 goals for the season, propelling him to the summit of the Saudi Pro League's top scorers' chart, a commanding nine goals ahead of Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. However, it was not his goalscoring exploits that garnered the spotlight.

The incident unfolded towards the end of the first half, as Al-Nassr's Abdulaziz Nour prepared to take a corner kick. An Al-Wahda player obstructed Ronaldo's path to the ball, shoving him backwards, prompting the Portuguese talisman to retaliate by scratching the opponent's neck, a gesture that ignited fury among Saudi media personnel.

"Scratching the player's neck with his thumbnail! What transgression did the player commit to warrant a scratch on his neck?" exclaimed journalist Abdulaziz Al-Hadlaq in the aftermath of the match. Al-Jazirah's Ammar Hamad Al Ammar echoed similar sentiments, lambasting Ronaldo's conduct.

"This player continues to run and play without any sanctions... dirty moves, assaults, verbal abuse, blows, shameful behavior, indiscipline... our disciplinary committee is in a deep slumber," he added, highlighting the lack of accountability for Ronaldo's actions.

This incident is not the first time the prolific striker has courted controversy this year. In February, Ronaldo was handed a one-match suspension for making an obscene gesture following Al-Nassr's victory over Al-Shabab.

Prior to that, he had picked up a scarf thrown from the stands by Al-Hilal supporters, tucked it into his shorts, and discarded it as he headed towards the tunnel after Al-Nassr's 2-0 defeat in the Riyadh Season Cup final.

In April of last year, Ronaldo appeared to grab his genitals as he made his way to the dugout after a 2-0 league defeat against Al-Hilal.

Since joining Saudi Arabia in January 2023, Ronaldo has yet to lift a trophy with his new club, but his on-field antics continue to overshadow his performances, drawing criticism from various quarters within the Saudi football community.