Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr Issues Angry Statement After Fan Copied Lionel Messi

Al-Nassr have issued an angry statement after a fan mocked Cristiano Ronaldo by winking at Lionel Messi in their dressing room. It happened ahead of Monday's match between the Saudi club and Al Shorta in the Asian Champions League, in which Ronaldo did not take part.

The fan, a YouTuber known as BO3OMAR22, was visiting Al-Nassr Stadium and was able to sit in Ronaldo's seat in the dressing room. He was pictured cupping his hands over his ears, in what appeared to be a nod to Messi's celebration at the World Cup two years ago.

Al-Nassr then issued a remarkable statement condemning the fan's actions, which read: “We would like to stress that Al-Nassr Club has always been welcoming to its visitors, fans and lovers, and throughout its long history, its doors have been open to all.

“However, what happened yesterday in the locker room at First Park Stadium, in terms of individual (irresponsible) actions, is unacceptable to some people who do not appreciate the value of the party they represent, nor the place and the entity that left it.

“They did not respect its fans. We would like to clarify that we, at Al-Nassr Club Company, have asked the relevant internal departments to immediately resolve the issue in order to preserve the literary, moral and material rights of the club, with the full assurance that the club's doors and all its facilities are open to all fans as long as they comply.

The affected fan later apologized, posting on social media: “I apologize if the photo upset you. The situation was a joke and I made a mistake.”

Ronaldo is regularly the target of chants about Messi when he plays in Saudi Arabia, with opposing fans doing so in an attempt to rile him up. Earlier this year, he appeared unmoved when rival fans chanted his biggest rival's name during a match against Al-Ain.

He had already been banned for two matches for making an obscene gesture at fans who were chanting Messi's name. After a late goal by Talisca gave Al-Nassr victory, he celebrated by pointing his pelvis at Al-Shabab fans.

Ronaldo was also fined £4,190, despite making a statement defending his behaviour. He said: “I respect all the clubs. And the joy after the shot expresses strength and victory, and it's not shameful. We are used to it in Europe.”

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner also responded to Messi's previous chants by grabbing his crotch and silencing the crowd, with fans showing no signs of letting up.