Cristiano Ronaldo lashed out at critics of Al-Nassr and says accusations of favouritism from referees is doing little for the Saudi Pro League’s credibility.
Ronaldo was speaking after scoring in his side’s 2-0 win over Al-Ahli last night that puts them on the brink of clinching the title.
Al-Nassr, who are backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, have had several questionable decisions go in their favour this season, leading to claims that it would be good for the league’s profile if Ronaldo were to lift the trophy at the end of the season.
Al-Ahli’s English striker Ivan Toney voiced his frustration earlier this month and there was clearly friction between the sides with several players targeting the former Brentford man in the celebrations that followed Kingsley Coman’s late goal.
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This is not football – Ronaldo unhappy at accusations
Ronaldo also clashed with his former Juventus team-mate Merih Demiral, before expressing his desire for players to refrain from questioning the integrity of the league.
He said: “I think this is not good for the league. Everyone complains, everyone does it more than they should do. This is football, this is not a war. We know we have to fight, everyone wants to win, but it’s not allowed, everything. It’s not allowed, everything.
“I’m going to have time to speak at the end of the season because I see many, many, many bad things. Many players complain, doing posts on Instagram and Facebook.
“Speak about the referees, speak about the league, speak about the project. I think this is not good. This is not the goal of the league.
“We should give examples, not only here, but also for Europe. We want to compete with them to be one of the best leagues in the world. But like that, I think we should analyse. Stop that, speak with the SPL because, for me, this is not football.”
Ronaldo and Coman send Al-Nassr eight points clear
Following Al-Hilal’s win over Damac on Tuesday, the onus was placed back on Jorge Jesus’ side, who faced a tough task against an Al-Ahli side in joyous mood after winning the AFC Champions League Elite title on Saturday.
But, after struggling to trouble the Al-Ahli goal in the first half, Ronaldo put the league leaders in command in the 76th minute when he broke the deadlock with a fine header.
And Coman made sure of a 16th league win in a row with a vicious 90th-minute finish, as Al-Nassr moved eight points clear of Al-Hilal having played a game more. Al-Ahli are 13 points behind with five games left, with their hopes of claiming the domestic title effectively extinguished.
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