RIYADH — Portuguese football legend and Al Nassr club captain Cristiano Ronaldo has defended his post-match celebration in front of Al Shabab fans following the 3-2 victory for Al Nassr. The celebration stirred controversy, with opinions divided on whether it was unethical or a display of challenge and strength.
Ronaldo, in his statement to the Saudi Football Federation's Discipline and Ethics Committee, expressed confidence in the appropriateness of his celebration. He emphasized respect for his opponents and stated that such celebrations are common among football players and athletes in Europe, symbolizing strength and victory.
The controversy arose after Al Shabab submitted an official complaint against Ronaldo based on photos and videos from their media center, as no official broadcaster footage was available. The incident has sparked discussions within the sports community about the interpretation of on-field celebrations and their cultural context.