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Cristiano Ronaldo gesture spotted as rival Saudi fans mock CR7 with Lionel Messi chants
Cristiano Ronaldo has not had things all his own way since moving to Saudi Arabia.
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Cristiano Ronaldo was spotted appearing to grab his crotch while Saudi Arabian fans chanted the name of arch-rival Lionel Messi in his direction. The legendary forward endured a frustrating night with Al-Nassr on Tuesday, with the Middle East outfit now chasing Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League title race.
Ronaldo had a night to forget as Al-Nassr were beaten 2-0 by Al-Hilal. Former Manchester United and Watford star Odion Ighalo scored two penalties during a feisty contest, in which Ronaldo was fortunate to remain on the pitch.
The 38-year-old was shown only a yellow card by English referee Michael Oliver for dragging an opponent to the floor in a move that would have been more suitable in WWE. Ronaldo jumped with the defender in an attempt to meet a bouncing ball, but then seemed to grab the Al-Hilal player round the neck before dragging them backwards and onto the turf.
And it was not the only moment of frustration for the Man Utd and Real Madrid icon, who was later seen making a lewd gesture to fans inside the stadium. The supporters could be heard chanting the name of Messi - something Ronaldo has never taken kindly to.
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Ronaldo when he heard Al Hilal fans chanting Messi's name������ pic.twitter.com/z1kS3QwypH
— ماثيو (@lilzs_10) April 18, 2023
One fan caught the moment on camera, and filmed Ronaldo appearing to grab his crotch as he looked over at the fans. It was unclear if the striker made the action towards his critics on purpose or if it was a coincidence.
But it was one of several moments from Ronaldo where he seemed to grow frustrated. His time in Saudi Arabia has not gone entirely to plan on the pitch, despite him scoring 11 times in 13 appearances since his January arrival.
Al-Nassr are now three points off Nuno Espirito Santo’s Al-Ittihad in the Saudi top-flight. However, the league leaders have a game in hand over Ronaldo and co.
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It comes a week after Al-Nassr sacked head coach Rudi Garcia. Wide-ranging reports suggest the former Lille boss’s departure was over his supposedly poor relationship with some of his players.
However, Ronaldo was seemingly not one of them after posting a touching message to the Frenchman on Instagram. A picture of the pair alongside each other was followed by the caption: "Pleasure to have worked with you. Wishing you all the best for the future."
Ronaldo is next in action in the King Cup of Champions against Al-Wehda on Monday. His side have just six games to topple Al-Ittihad at the summit of the Saudi Pro League.