Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is under fire in Saudi Arabia for “public indecency” after grabbing his crotch in front of fans at the end of a recent game. Following his Al-Nassr team’s 2-0 loss at Al-Hilal last week, the Portuguese attacker looked to make a gesture as he exited the pitch.

The Portuguese star had a disappointing night as his Al Nassr was defeated 2-0 by Al-Hilal, losing ground in the title race to table toppers Al Ittihad. Cristiano Ronaldo was  booked for a WWE-style foul on an opponent and also had to face further frustration when the home fans chanted Lionel Messi-related taunts at him.

Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is facing calls for his expelling from Saudi Arabia after allegedly making obscene gesture during Al Nassr’s defeat to Al-Hilal. Credits: Twitter

Cristiano Ronaldo faces deportation following obscene gesture despite Al Nassr clarification

Cristiano Ronaldo seemed to grab his genitals in front of a part of the crowd, causing widespread outrage throughout the Kingdom. It sparked an internet campaign to get the Portugal international expelled from the country, with the slogan “Expelling the fan’s abuser”. A Saudi lawyer Nouf bin Ahmed has reacted and wants the Al Nassr skipper to be punished for his acts.

Prof Nouf bin Ahmed, who also works for the UN, said on Twitter that she will be delivering a petition to the Saudi Public Ministry demanding his deportation. She posted on social media:

“I don’t follow sport. Even if the crowd provoked Ronaldo, he didn’t know how to react. Cristiano’s behaviour is a crime. An indecent public act, which is one of the crimes that allows for arrest and deportation if committed by a foreigner. We will present a petition to the Public Ministry regarding the issue.”

However, according to Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo is suffering from a groin problem as he fears deportation for clutching his crotch in front of supporters. Al Nassr have highlighted a “sensitive” injury in that area of the body in an attempt to downplay the gesture. The incident was clarified by the club’s board to journalist Muhammed Al-Enezi, who stated in a statement 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.”

The challenge referred to by the club was widely criticised and earned Ronaldo a yellow card from English referee Michael Oliver. While his team was losing 1-0, Ronaldo appeared to lose control, leaping up and pulling his opponent from behind after gripping him around the neck.

Given the animosity between the pair, who have dominated the game’s individual honours throughout their careers, Ronaldo has long been attacked by Messi followers. Ahead of their win against Al-Nassr earlier this season, Al-Ittihad fans insulted the former Real Madrid player by holding up images of the Argentine.

Al-Nassr recently fired manager Rudi Garcia amid claims of player discontent. He has been replaced as interim manager by former youth team coach Jelicic, who appears to be unable to guide the club to the Saudi title with their recent defeat. Cristiano Ronaldo faced backlash for his decision to go to the Middle East following his acrimonious departure from Manchester United. The player is earning huge sums of money but is no longer competing for big European titles.