Why did Cristiano Ronaldo not play vs Al Hazm? Portugal star suspended for Al Nassr's 4-4 draw in Saudi Pro League

Cristiano Ronaldo did not feature for Al Nassr in their enthralling 4-4 draw with Al Hazm in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday.

Anderson Talisca's hat-trick wasn't enough for victory as Al Hazm equalised in the 10th minute of added time in an eight-goal thriller. Sadio Mane was also on the scoresheet for Al Nassr, as he took what would have usually been Ronaldo's penalty kick.

The dropped points see Ronaldo's side fall further away from league leaders Al Hilal, who currently have a six-point advantage.

Ronaldo missed a few pre-season games through injury, however, that was not the reason for his absence against Al Hazm.

The Sporting News takes a look at why he is not in the squad and when he will return. 

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Why did Cristiano Ronaldo not play for Al Nassr today?

Reports circulated on February 26 suggesting that Ronaldo was facing a two-game ban in the Saudi Pro League for making an "obscene gesture" towards Al Shabab fans as they taunted him in their league game last weekend. 

The suggestion, as per such outlets as Sky News and The Daily Mail, was that Ronaldo could be suspended as part of an investigation by Saudi Arabia's football federation.

On February 29, The Athletic reported that Ronaldo had only been given a one-match suspension, and a fine of 10,000 Saudi riyals ($2,666), payable to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, and a further fine of double that amount payable to Al Shabab. He also has to cover the costs of the complaint process.

Later that day, the PA news agency confirmed those details via a statement. It read: "The Disciplinary and Ethics Committee at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation has issued a one-match ban to Cristiano Ronaldo as well as a 10,000 Saudi Riyal fine to SAFF and 20,000 SAR fine payable to the opposition club Al Shabab FC for 'provoking fans' or 'inciting fans' as per Article 57 of the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation."

????????| OFFICIAL: Cristiano Ronaldo has received a one-match suspension for allegedly making an obscene gesture during Al Nassr's 3-2 victory over Al Shabab. pic.twitter.com/WVuHI29vV9

— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) February 29, 2024

When is Ronaldo back for Al Nassr?

As the suspension is only for one game, Ronaldo will be available for Al Nassr's AFC Champions League clash with Al Ain.

• Ronaldo's next match: vs. Al Ain
• Competition: AFC Champions League
• Stadium: King Saud University Stadium (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
• Date / Time: Monday, March 4, 2024 / 11 a.m. ET

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What did Cristiano Ronaldo do?

Ronaldo was accused of making an obscene gesture towards Al Shabab fans during the first half of the league game on February 25.

The forward was being taunted by opposition fans, who were chanting "Messi, Messi" at him. This goading, in which supporters have attempted to mock or distract Ronaldo by singing the name of his long-time rival Lionel Messi, has been common since his move to Saudi Arabia in late 2022.

After the final whistle, Ronaldo went over to a section of the Al Shabab fans and was seen cupping his ear before rapidly moving his hand back and forth in front of his pelvis. The incident was not televised but mobile phone footage and photographs from inside the stadium were quickly shared on social media.