Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo could be sanctioned for his goal celebration when he netted the equaliser in Sunday's La Liga clasico at Barcelona, the president of Spain's professional football league (LFP) said.
Ronaldo, not for the first time when he has scored at the Camp Nou, appeared to be urging the Barca fans to calm down when he struck to make it 1-1 in the 31st minute.
The Portugal captain, regularly the subject of abuse himself, has gained a reputation for antagonising opposing fans and was widely criticised when he tore off his shirt to celebrate his successful penalty in last season’s Champions League final victory over Atletico Madrid.
“We have to be careful with provocative gestures by a player when he scores a goal or with any other provocation or conduct that could incite violence among spectators,” LFP president Javier Tebas told reporters on Tuesday.
“It must be sanctioned, from a fine up to a suspension,” he said. “We will look into it.”
Following the death of a Deportivo La Coruna fan in fighting before a La Liga game in November, Spain’s soccer authorities are seeking to crack down on any action by players or supporters that may be construed as provocative.
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