Saudi Arabia’s football governing body, on Thursday, suspended Cristiano Ronaldo for one game over a gesture he made on the pitch last weekend that was judged a “provocation”.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner reacted to those in the stands after a dramatic 3-2 win over their Saudi Pro League rivals. He was caught on camera appearing to aim an obscene gesture towards his critics in the crowd.

Ronaldo also appeared to grab his genitals during a Riyadh Cup game with Al-Hilal on February 8, before rubbing a scarf on his crotch when leaving the field, and has previously reacted to ‘Messi’ chants from the terraces. He has been delivering, though, when it matters most, with a nerveless penalty converted against Al-Shabab taking him to 34 goals for the season through just 35 appearances.

Therefore, an investigation into Ronaldo’s actions was launched, with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation moving quickly to assess all of the evidence available to them. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) said the Al-Nassr captain and former Sporting Lisbon star was also fined a total of 30,000 riyals ($8,000) for the move, which broke rules against provoking the public during a match.

The committee revealed that 10,000 Saudi riyals will be paid to the SAFF and 20,000 riyals to Al-Shabab to help cover their costs of filing a complaint. The decision is not subject to an appeal, meaning that Ronaldo will sit out a meeting with Al-Hazm on Thursday.

The football icon faced backlash for his provocative gesture in response to Al-Shabab fans who taunted him with chants of “Messi, Messi”.

Ronaldo’s actions, which included cupping his ears and then making a gesture towards his groin area, have led to a summons by Saudi Pro League officials demanding an explanation.

But Riyadh has been accused by its critics of “sportswashing” by using athletics to improve its international reputation after widespread criticism of its human rights and environmental record.