Cristiano Ronaldo banned from doing 'normal' act in Saudi Arabia as Al Nassr star says 'it is not shameful'

Cristiano Ronaldo has argued that the incident that earned him a one match ban in Saudi Arabia is "not shameful" and is "very normal" in Europe.

Ronaldo recently returned from suspension after he made a rude gesture towards opposition supporters while playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

Last month the 39-year-old was banned for one game by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation after responding to chants of "Messi" by pointing to his crotch.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was also fined 30,000 Saudi Riyals (£6,300).

Ronaldo was judged to have violated Article 57-1 of the Disciplinary and Ethics Regulations, which reads: "Any person who causes public excitement by action, word, or gesture during any match shall be suspended for one match, and shall be punished with a fine of 10,000 riyals."

Since serving the ban, Ronaldo has explained his actions and claimed he did not mean to cause offence.

"I will always respect the cultures of all countries, as I have respected to this day, but not always what people see is reality," he said during a press conference.

"As I said and I will say again, it is obvious that I will not do it again in this country, but in Europe, it is very normal. "Sometimes the passion and excitement of the game leads us to make some mistakes."

Getty)

Ronaldo's explanation echoed what he said immediately after the incident, when he said: "I respect all clubs. And the joy after the [game] expresses strength and victory, and it is not shameful. We are used to it in Europe."

Al-Nassr drew 4-4 with Al-Hazem in Ronaldo's absence, and then suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Al-Raed upon his return.

Ronaldo has enjoyed an impressive season, scoring 28 goals and providing 11 assists in all competitions.

However, despite his contributions, Al-Nassr find themselves 12 points behind Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star will look to get back on the scoresheet on Monday when Al-Nassr take on Al Ain in the second leg of their AFC Champions League quarter-final tie.

Al-Nassr lost the first leg 1-0.

Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Arabia, Football, Al Nassr

Alex Brotherton

Alex Brotherton is a Sports Trends Writer at SPORTbible. He has previously worked with publications including the Manchester Evening News, GOAL and BBC Sport. He is a football fanatic, but also dabbles in tennis and American football. He enjoys running, cooking and watching non-league football.

@alex_brotherton