Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates found themselves under attack with Al-Ahli fans wielding water balloons during a feisty Saudi Pro League clash.
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Al-Nassr beat Al-Ahli 1-0 Ronaldo scored the winner from the spotAngry Al-Ahli fans hurled water balloons at Al-Nassr playersGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Tempers flared after Ronaldo scored his 23rd goal of the season from the penalty spot to secure a crucial 1-0 victory for Al-Nassr. As the players were celebrating the goal in front of the home crowd, the atmosphere turned hostile and water balloons were hurled from the stands.
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The first projectile struck Otavio in the face, causing him to fall to the ground. Ronaldo, visibly angered by the incident, raised his arms in protest along with his teammates, drawing attention to the unruly behaviour of the spectators.
The situation escalated further when Al-Ahli fans began chanting 'Messi, Messi, Messi' and launched additional balloons towards the Al-Nassr players. Alex Telles, a former Manchester United player, attempted to retaliate by throwing a broken balloon back into the crowd, only to see it being thrown back at him.
RONALDO CALLS FOR CALM
In an effort to defuse the situation, Ronaldo gestured for calm before walking away from the confrontation. Despite the disruption, the match continued, with Otavio eventually able to resume play after receiving medical attention.
This incident is not the first time Ronaldo has encountered hostility from opposing fans. Earlier in the year, he served a one-match ban for making an inappropriate gesture towards Al-Hilal supporters following similar chants of 'Messi'.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
Ronaldo will now rejoin the Portugal national team ahead of the two friendlies against Sweden and Slovenia on March 21 and 26 respectively. After completing his international commitments he will return to Riyadh to face Al-Tai on March 30.