Ronaldo Gesture Sparks Saudi League Controversy

Cristiano Ronaldo was again in the limelight in Saudi football, but this time because of his goals. The 3-2 victory of Al Nassr over Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League was marred by a controversial act by the Portuguese player on the opposing goalkeeper, Marcelo Grohe an act that most people reckon would have earned a red card.

It was a high intensity match that was now in a tie until there were 15 minutes remaining. It took Al Nassr the whole time to win all the three points based on a late score given by Abdulrahman Ghareeb. But the recent celebrations were soon marred as Al Shabab players objected the goal arguing that there was foul play in the build up.

In the demonstrations, Ronaldo stared directly at Grohe and even gave a mocking crying motion, which was most commonly interpreted as saying to the goalkeeper to start crying more. It was immediately reacted by the nearby players and involved the attention of the referee, but no disciplinary measures were imposed.

This was not the initial point of conflict between the two. Ronaldo had in the previous part of the match put his hand on the head of Grohe and went on to push the latter after a goalmouth incident, which resulted in a minor altercation following which both players seemed to diffuse possible tension.

The video clips of the gesture went viral on the social media, and there was a debate on whether Ronaldo was appropriate or not in his actions. According to many pundits, under more stringent officiating, the act would have led to a sending-off.

Sports-wise, the victory keeps Al Nassr in the second place in the league table four points behind the leaders Al Hilal. The win also completed a three match losing streak and the goals were scored through own goal by Saad Balobaid, an amazing overhead kick by Kingsley Coman and a late goal by Ghareeb.

Regardless of the outcome, the performance of Ronaldo was in doubt. He made no efforts to shoot in open play until the 82nd minute and again his temperament attracted more attention than his football.