Saudi lawyer Nouf bin Ahmed has announced her intention to file a complaint against Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo after he appeared to grab his genitals as he walked off the pitch following his team Al-Nassr’s 2-0 defeat to Al-Hilal on Tuesday night.

According to reports, Ronaldo’s action was seen as an insulting gesture toward fans who had been chanting the name of his rival Lionel Messi.

Ahmed stated that Ronaldo should be punished for his “crime of public indecency,” which could result in arrest and deportation if committed by a foreigner.

ALSO READ: Moroccan footballer Sofiane Boufal admits to enjoying seeing Cristiano Ronaldo’s tears at the World Cup

Journalists in Saudi Arabia have also criticised the footballer, with one suggesting Al-Nassr should terminate his £175m-a-year contract following his “immoral and impolite gesture against the spectators.”

However, Al-Nassr sources have defended Ronaldo, stating that he made the gesture after receiving a blow to his genitals during the match. The incident occurred after a damaging defeat for Al-Nassr, which saw them concede further ground in the title race.

The team is currently in second place, three points behind leaders Al-Ittihad, having played a game more. Al-Shabab is in third place, three points behind Al-Nassr with a game in hand.

The video clip shows Ronaldo walking off the field and past the media zone before holding his crotch and moving it around. At the end of the video, he appears to look up towards the chanting fans with a grin on his face. Earlier in the game, Ronaldo had made headlines after bringing down an opponent in a chokehold.