Al-Ahli request foreign referees for Roshn Saudi League clash with Al-Nassr

Al-Ahli have formally requested foreign referees for Friday’s Roshn Saudi League clasico against Al-Nassr, following the tensions and disciplinary action that overshadowed the fixture between the two clubs last season.

Al-Ahli will host their traditional rivals at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah in a rearranged match from the ninth round of the competition.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, Al-Ahli submitted the request through the league’s electronic system 16 days before the game, in line with the regulations. The club also provided proof that it had paid the required fee of 375,000 Saudi riyals.

That figure would rise to 450,000 Saudi riyals if the officiating team includes a fourth official in addition to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

The previous meeting between the sides, played in April during the second half of last season, was marked by heightened tension among the players and supporters. The atmosphere was fuelled by a series of outspoken comments, including remarks by Al-Ahli defender Merih Demiral.

The Turkey international alleged that local referees had shown favouritism towards Al-Nassr in an effort to help Cristiano Ronaldo, the club captain, win his first official trophy with the team.

Disciplinary action after last season’s match

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s Disciplinary and Ethics Committee subsequently imposed four sanctions on Demiral. He was suspended for one match and fined 50,000 riyals for attempting to provoke the opposing supporters.

He received a further fine of 100,000 riyals for post-match comments in which he said everyone was trying to help Al-Nassr win the Saudi league. The committee ruled that the remarks offended match officials and inflamed public opinion.

Demiral was also fined 15,000 riyals for damaging facilities and property at the stadium. His fines totalled approximately 165,000 riyals.

Al-Ahli were fined 130,000 riyals after their supporters threw 22 water bottles and other objects on to the pitch, although nobody was hit. Al-Nassr were fined 100,000 riyals after their fans threw 57 water bottles and other objects on to the playing surface, also without injuring anyone.

Friday’s match is important to both clubs as they seek to remain in contention for the Roshn Saudi League title. Al-Ahli are sixth with 21 points from seven wins and four defeats, nine points behind leaders Al-Hilal.

Al-Nassr are third on 28 points, two behind Al-Hilal and level on points with second-placed Al-Qadsiah, who lead them on goal difference.

In the AFC Champions League Elite, Al-Ahli are sixth in the West group with eight points from two wins and two draws, remaining unbeaten. Al-Nassr are seventh with six points from two wins and one defeat, with a postponed match against UAE club Al Wasl still to play.

Both sides have also reached the King’s Cup round of 16. Al-Ahli beat Al-Anwar 2-1 and will face Al-Ula at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Stadium on Monday, 11 January. Al-Nassr defeated Al-Diriyah 4-1 and will meet Al-Kholood at Al-Awwal Park on the same day.

They are also due to compete in the Saudi Super Cup in Kuwait. Al-Ahli face Al-Qadsiah on 19 December, while Al-Nassr play Al-Kholood a day later. If both progress, they will meet in the final on 23 December.