Cristiano Ronaldo banned & fined for vulgar response to Lionel Messi taunts – with Al-Nassr losing 34-goal top scorer to suspension

Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned and fined as a result of his vulgar response to Lionel Messi taunts during Al-Nassr’s clash with Al-Shabab.

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• Portuguese reacted to those in the crowd
• Not the first time he has made crude gesture
• Will now sit out one Saudi Pro League fixture

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The five-time Ballon d’Or winner reacted to those in the stands after a dramatic 3-2 win over their Saudi Pro League rivals. He was caught on camera appearing to aim an obscene gesture towards his critics in the crowd.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  An investigation into Ronaldo’s actions was launched, with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation moving quickly to assess all of the evidence available to them. The SAFF has now announced that CR7 must serve a one-match ban while also paying a 30,000 Saudi Riyals (£6,300) fine.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  The committee revealed that 10,000 Saudi riyals will be paid to the SAFF and 20,000 riyals to Al-Shabab to help cover their costs of filing a complaint. The decision is not subject to an appeal, meaning that Ronaldo will sit out a meeting with Al-Hazm on Thursday.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

  Ronaldo also appeared to grab his genitals during a Riyadh Cup game with Al-Hilal on February 8, before rubbing a scarf on his crotch when leaving the field, and has previously reacted to ‘Messi’ chants from the terraces. He has been delivering, though, when it matters most, with a nerveless penalty converted against Al-Shabab taking him to 34 goals for the season through just 35 appearances.