Al-Nassr react angrily to Lionel Messi celebration taunt aimed at Cristiano Ronaldo by supporter visiting Saudi Pro League club's dressing room

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Al-Nassr have reacted angrily to a supposed Lionel Messi celebration taunt aimed in the direction of their talismanic captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Saudi Pro League outfit allow supporters to visit their dressing room when not in action, giving fans a chance to pose for pictures in front of lockers that are used by the likes of five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo and former Liverpool star Sadio Mane.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE
One of those, a YouTuber known as BO3OMAR22, is considered to have taken things too far by mimicking the iconic pose that Argentine superstar Messi struck when helping his country to victory over the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup – as he cupped his ears in the direction of Dutch coach Louis van Gaal.
- WHAT AL-NASSR SAID
  
  Al-Nassr have been quick to condemn said actions, which they consider to be a slight on Portuguese superstar Ronaldo. The club has said in an extraordinary statement: “We would like to point out 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 inside the dressing room at the First Park Stadium, in terms of individual (irresponsible) actions, is unacceptable by some people who do not appreciate the value of the party they represent, nor the place and entity that left it.
  
  “They did not respect its fans. We would like to clarify that we at Al-Nassr Club Company have directed the concerned internal departments to immediately address the issue to preserve the club’s literary, moral and material rights, with full assurance that the club’s doors and all its facilities are open to every fan as long as they comply.”
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  WHAT NEXT?
  
  The fan involved has issued an apology on his social channels, saying: “I apologise if the photo bothered you. The situation was a joke and I made a mistake.” Ronaldo was not in action for Al-Nassr as they played out a 1-1 draw with Al Shorta in the AFC Champions League, having been struck down by a virus, but could return to Pro League competition on Friday against Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq.