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via Reuters

The season was almost going perfectly for Cristiano Ronaldo until the Al Shabab game. The leading goalscorer in the Saudi Pro League (22 goals) reportedly faces a suspension for 2 games, following a ‘gesture’ made in that game. Notably, Ronaldo’s act was not even captured on live television. Yet, in a very recent development, that is welcoming news for Al Nassr & CR7, the Portuguese star has been requested to give his take on the incident.

The Discipline & Ethics Committee of the Saudi Football Association has reportedly set a deadline for Wednesday. Before this, Cristiano Ronaldo will have to offer his statement about the controversial celebration. Perhaps, if things go well, he could see his reported ban reduced or even rescinded! Regardless, CR7 had a decent game barring the one controversial moment.

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It was an impressive 3-2 victory over Al Shabab and Cristiano Ronaldo scored the opener. Following the game, he shook hands with the opposition players, and just then the crowd started chanting ‘Messi’. Ronaldo first made a ‘hearing gesture’, but what he did next was what caused the outrage. Out of nowhere, CR7 inappropriately swung his fists and motioned the gesture toward the fans.

Unfortunately for CR7, the act was captured by fans on video and came to the attention of Al Shabab, who lodged a complaint regarding the same. Although DailyMail reported he was handed a 2-match suspension, it seems the Saudi Association is offering Cristiano Ronaldo one last chance to explain himself. Should the suspension go through, Anderson Talisca will be the go-to man for Luis Castro & Co. Talisca does not seem impressed by the recent criticism of his captain.

Cristiano Ronaldo critics don’t give him ‘real credit’ per Talisca

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In his recent interview, the Brazilian star defended Cristiano Ronaldo, against the criticism recently. He said, “Those who criticize Cristiano from outside Saudi Arabia do not give him real credit for what he is doing with Al-Nassr. The Saudi league is now among the 10 strongest leagues in the world, and people do not want to accept this fact.” Talisca doesn’t seem impressed that critics are not focusing on Ronaldo’s good work.

via Reuters

He also added, “It is wonderful to be a colleague of Cristiano. I believe that Ronaldo can continue until his mid-forties. The older he gets, the better he becomes.” Talisca has been in fine form recently and even scored 2 goals against Al Shabab. With 22 goals this season, he has been a revelation. Ronaldo’s potential unavailability is a big blow at this juncture of the season, but with Talisca leading the line, fans can breathe a sigh of relief.

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Is Cristiano Ronaldo’s gesture worthy of a suspension? Tell us in the comments below.

Written by

Adithya Narayanan

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Adithya is a Soccer Writer at EssentiallySports. A Liverpool fanboy, he takes pride in being alive to witness Jurgen Klopp taking the Reds to domestic and European glory. Adithya loves an in-depth soccer chat involving tactical intricacies and stats.
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Edited by

Daniel D'Cruz