Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut at Al-Nassr has been delayed for a couple of weeks due to the Portuguese forward having to serve a two-match ban due to an incident from his time in England.
Ronaldo, 37, was given a two-match ban for slapping a phone out of a fan’s hand after a game against Everton whilst playing for Manchester United.
The ban was not fulfilled because Ronaldo had his contract terminated, so it has been held over to his next club according to Mail Sport.
The FA said whilst handing out the ban “We note the Player has participated in a recently published interview in which he has criticised MUFC. We know not what effect that may nor will have on his future with that club nor whether it will take disciplinary action in respect thereof. The suspension we have imposed must have an effect.
“In other words, it applies to MUFC’s first team competitive matches for which he is eligible for selection. Should he leave MUFC before it completes two first-team competitive matches the balance of the suspension will apply to any new club he should join.”
That means that the ban has been held over to Al-Nassr, and the Saudi club will have to play two competitive matches before they can play Ronaldo, a blow to the team who had sold 28,000 tickets for what was meant to be his debut against Al-Ta’ee.
Instead his debut now looks to be slated for January 21 when Al-Nassr play Ettifaq.
Al-Nassr currently sit top of the Saud Pro League table, having won eight and drawn two of their open 11 matches. They are one point ahead of Al-Shabab, who have a game in hand.