'Used to it in Europe' – Cristiano Ronaldo breaks silence on controversial gesture to Al Shabab fans amid threat of ban for response to Lionel Messi chants

Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence on the controversial gesture he made to fans after hearing Lionel Messi chants.

• Ronaldo explains gesture after Messi taunts
• Insists he meant no disrespect
• Could face sanction for his actions

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ronaldo has sought to explain his controversial gesture in response to taunts about rival Lionel Messi while playing for Al-Nassr against Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese superstar is thought to be facing a two-match ban and a fine for his actions and has shared his thoughts on the incident.

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• WHAT CRISTIANO RONALDO HAS SAID

  As per Saudi Arabian publication , Ronaldo said in a statement: "I respect all clubs. And the joy after the shot expresses strength and victory, and itis not shameful. We are used to it in Europe."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ronaldo is facing a two-match ban and a suspension for his gesture and there's no doubt his absence would be a big blow to Al-Nassr. The Portuguese striker has scored nine goals in his last eight Saudi Pro League fixtures and tops the division's Golden Boot standings with 22 for the season.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO

  Ronaldo is still waiting to hear if will face a sanction, with a decision from the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee expected shortly, according to . If he is banned then he could miss forthcoming Saudi Pro League matches against Al-Hazem and Al-Raed, but would be available for Al-Nassr's AFC Champions League tie with Al Ain.