Al-Nassr reacts to calls for Ronaldo to be expelled from Saudi Arabia

Al-Nassr has responded to Cristiano Ronaldo’s apparent indecent gesture, which has led to calls for the player to be expelled from Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo was again in the headlines following their 2-0 defeat to Al-Hilal on Tuesday.

After being booked for a tackle, the Portugal captain reacted to Lionel Messi chants from home supporters by grabbing his crotch in their direction.

The obscene gesture has caused widespread offence, especially as it happened during the holy month of Ramadan.

A trend has emerged online seeking to remove Ronaldo from Saudi Arabia under the title “Expelling the fan’s abuser”.

But Al-Nassr have attempted to play down the gesture, claiming it is due to a “sensitive” injury in the groin region.

The club’s board clarified the incident to journalist Muhammed Al-Enezi, who said in a statement on Wednesday: “Ronaldo suffers from an injury. His challenge with Gustavo Cuellar, the Al-Hilal player, started with a blow in a very sensitive area. This is confirmed information. As for the fans’ explanations, they are free to think whatever they want.”