‘We all know who we’re chasing’

Ivan Toney has questioned the integrity of refereeing within the Saudi Professional League and advised it’s rigged to favour Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr.

Toney, who performs for Al-Ahli, spoke out after his aspect had been denied two penalties throughout yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Al-Fayha.

The stalemate left Al-Ahli 4 factors behind leaders Al-Nassr, who don’t play their matchday 28 fixture in opposition to Al-Okhdood till Saturday.

Toney, who might now face a ban for his feedback, didn’t maintain again when requested to evaluate the sport. He mentioned: “I believe the very large speaking level was the 2 penalties, it’s as clear as day. I don’t know what extra you need him to do, in the event you decide the ball up with two fingers are you going to offer a penalty or not?

“Once we tried to speak to the referee, he advised us to ‘concentrate on the AFC [Champions League]’. How can the referee say this? We’re speaking about now and he’s saying to concentrate on the AFC.

“If you’d like me to go deeper, I can go deeper, it’d get me into bother however I’m a person that claims it how it’s. There are clear speaking factors with the referee, however his thoughts is elsewhere.

“All through the season, it was a transparent penalty however now we get to the crunch time they usually change it.”

Toney hints refs favour Ronaldo

Requested who he thought would profit from the penalties not being awarded, the England worldwide laughed and added: “We all know who, who’re we chasing?”

Toney took to social media after the sport and confirmed movies of three incidents he believes ought to have resulted in spot-kicks being awarded to his aspect.

“It’s really loopy how one can miss issues like this in essential moments or select to show a blind eye,” he wrote. “It’s clear what’s being influenced right here. 

“Additionally with the referee telling us to focus on a unique competitors whereas VAR is happening is past me. Add to that with the referee agreeing that the primary one was a penalty within the 90+ minute like that’s going to assist.

“I’m in all probability the unhealthy man for talking some truths and declaring questionable selections or s___ refereeing.”

Toney’s team-mate Galeno went additional, including on X: “Hand over the trophy, that’s what they need, they wish to knock us out of the championship by any means mandatory, they wish to hand the trophy to at least one individual, a complete lack of respect for our membership.”

Al-Ahli increase criticism and demand VAR tape launched

Al-Ahli backed their gamers and in addition expressed their disappointment on the efficiency of match official Mohammed Sami Al-Ismail.

A membership assertion learn: “Al-Ahli expresses its deep dissatisfaction with the refereeing errors that affected at present’s match in opposition to Al-Fayha in spherical 29 of the Saudi Roshn League. The referee’s selections had a direct impression on the circulation of the sport and its remaining end result, which in flip affected the staff’s place within the title race.

“Such errors increase legit considerations relating to the referee choice course of and the standards utilized, significantly given the excessive technical and aggressive stage of the Saudi Roshn League.

“The staff has confronted unfair refereeing selections, an unacceptable state of affairs that neither serves the event of the competitors nor upholds the precept of aggressive equity, which have to be the inspiration of any profitable match.

“Al-Ahli requires entry to the recordings and communications between the referees and the video assistant referee (VAR), in addition to their interactions with the staff’s gamers throughout the match. It additionally requests clear explanations for all refereeing incidents the place selections weren’t appropriately made.

“In closing, Al Ahli reaffirms its confidence within the dedication of the related authorities to safeguarding the integrity of the competitors and taking the mandatory sensible steps that replicate the excessive standing the Saudi Roshn League has reached.”