Toney hints at Saudi ref bias towards Ronaldo and claims: ‘We know who we are chasing’

Ivan Toney has questioned the integrity of refereeing in the Saudi Pro League and suggested it is rigged to favour Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr.

Toney, who plays for Al-Ahli, spoke out after his side were denied two penalties during yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Al-Fayha.

The stalemate left Al-Ahli four points behind leaders Al-Nassr, who don’t play their matchday 28 fixture against Al-Okhdood until Saturday.

Toney, who could now face a ban for his comments, did not hold back when asked to assess the game. He said: “I think the very big talking point was the two penalties, it is as clear as day. I don’t know what more you want him to do, if you pick the ball up with two hands are you going to give a penalty or not?

“When we tried to talk to the referee, he told us to ‘focus on the AFC [Champions League]’. How can the referee say this? We are talking about now and he is saying to focus on the AFC.

“If you want me to go deeper, I can go deeper, it might get me into trouble but I am a man that says it how it is. There are clear talking points with the referee, but his mind is elsewhere.

“Throughout the season, it was a clear penalty but now we get to the crunch time and they change it.”

Toney hints refs favour Ronaldo

Asked who he thought would benefit from the penalties not being awarded, the England international laughed and added: “We know who, who are we chasing?”

Toney took to social media after the game and showed videos of three incidents he believes should have resulted in spot-kicks being awarded to his side.

“It’s actually crazy how you can miss things like this in crucial moments or choose to turn a blind eye,” he wrote. “It’s clear what is being influenced here. 

“Also with the referee telling us to concentrate on a different competition while VAR is going on is beyond me. Add to that with the referee agreeing that the first one was a penalty in the 90+ minute like that’s going to help.

“I am probably the bad guy for speaking some truths and pointing out questionable decisions or s___ refereeing.”

Toney’s team-mate Galeno went further, adding on X: “Hand over the trophy, that’s what they want, they want to knock us out of the championship by any means necessary, they want to hand the trophy to one person, a total lack of respect for our club.”

Al-Ahli raise complaint and demand VAR tape released

Al-Ahli backed their players and also expressed their disappointment at the performance of match official Mohammed Sami Al-Ismail.

A club statement read: “Al-Ahli expresses its deep dissatisfaction with the refereeing errors that affected today’s match against Al-Fayha in round 29 of the Saudi Roshn League. The referee’s decisions had a direct impact on the flow of the game and its final outcome, which in turn affected the team’s position in the title race.

“Such errors raise legitimate concerns regarding the referee selection process and the criteria applied, particularly given the high technical and competitive level of the Saudi Roshn League.

“The team has faced unfair refereeing decisions, an unacceptable situation that neither serves the development of the competition nor upholds the principle of competitive fairness, which must be the foundation of any successful tournament.

“Al-Ahli calls for access to the recordings and communications between the referees and the video assistant referee (VAR), as well as their interactions with the team’s players during the match. It also requests clear explanations for all refereeing incidents where decisions were not correctly made.

“In closing, Al Ahli reaffirms its confidence in the commitment of the relevant authorities to safeguarding the integrity of the competition and taking the necessary practical steps that reflect the high standing the Saudi Roshn League has reached.”