Ronaldo: My behaviour was not shameful!

Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that his recent "obscene" behaviour, for which he has now received his punishment in Saudi Arabia, was not shameful. 

During Al Nassr's 3-2 victory over Al Shabab in a Saudi Pro League encounter over the weekend, the Portuguese superstar was recorded cupping his hand to his ear and then gesturing with his right hand in a provocative manner near his groin in a reported response to persistent "Messi" chants that came from opposition fans. 

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The incident is said to have not been captured by television cameras at the stadium, but was caught by a fan whose video of it has since gone viral. 

Following calls for the former Real Madrid attacker to be punished for his actions by Saudi pundits, Ronaldo was summoned to appear in front of the league's chiefs, who requested an explanation for his gestures. 

According to the Daily Mail, the Al Nassr star has been instructed to pay 10 000 Saudi Riyals (about R51 400) to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and 20 000 Riyals (about R103 000) to Al Shabab to cover their complaint filing fees. 

With the decision said to not be subject to appeal, the five-time Ballon d'Or has also been issued a one-match suspension. 

Prior to being suspended, the Knights of Najd captain defended his action, saying that the gesture, despite possibly being viewed as immoral in Saudi Arabia – some in the country described it as "obscene" – is one that is commonly used on his home continent. 

"I respect all clubs," Ronaldo said, per Al-Riyadiya.

"And the joy after the [game] expresses strength and victory, and it is not shameful. We are used to it in Europe."

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Al Nassr are currently second on the SPL table, seven points behind leaders Al Hilal.

The side will be looking to bridge the gap between first and second in their next encounter against last-placed Al Hazm, but will now have to do so without their talisman.

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