Al Ahli defender Merih Demiral has launched a furious accusation that the Saudi Pro League is conspiring to help Al-Nassr win the title, following a contentious 2-0 defeat that saw post-match scenes descend into chaos. The Turkish international's outburst came after goals from former Juventus teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Kingsley Coman secured a crucial victory for Al-Nassr, moving them eight points clear at the top of the table with four games remaining, though rivals Al-Hilal have a game in hand.
The match itself was marred by controversy, beginning in the 28th minute when Al Ahli players vehemently appealed for a penalty after an Al-Nassr defender handled the ball in the area. The referee opted not to award the spot-kick, judging the contact to be a natural consequence of the defender falling, a decision that ignited tensions for the remainder of the contest. Demiral was at the centre of the ill-feeling, seen in a heated exchange with an opponent before halftime.
The flashpoint escalated in the 98th minute, deep into stoppage time, when Coman made a hard, sliding challenge on Demiral. This incident spilled over into a fractious post-match period, where according to reports, Demiral sought physical confrontations with both Coman and Ronaldo before being separated by teammates. In the tunnel, Al Ahli's Ivan Toney was also reportedly involved in an altercation with Al-Nassr's Nawaf Boushal.
Demiral then took his protests to social media and the press. He displayed his Asian Champions League winner's medal to opposing fans, a trophy Al Ahli has won twice consecutively, and posted on X: "For the first time there is a Champions League medal in their stadium." Speaking to journalists, he expanded his claims dramatically. "God almighty, everyone is helping Al-Nassr to win the championship, this is what is happening," Demiral said. "Everyone wants Al-Nassr to win the title. This is a disgrace. Al-Ahli always wins on the pitch, without needing anyone's help."
His own manager, Matthias Jaissle, distanced himself from the defender's comments in a subsequent press conference. Jaissle suggested Demiral should avoid posting on social media, but added that everyone is human and the important things happen on the pitch. Ronaldo, meanwhile, addressed the broader culture of complaints in the league without naming Demiral directly. The Portuguese star referenced his five Champions League wins in response to taunts about Al Ahli's continental success before calling for an end to public grievances. "We must be an example," Ronaldo said. "We must stop with this style of complaints and speak with the league. This is not football. What is happening is not good for the championship."
The victory represents a significant step toward Al-Nassr's first Saudi Pro League title since Ronaldo's arrival, placing considerable pressure on second-place Al-Hilal. For Al Ahli, the defeat is a major blow to their own title ambitions, likely fueling the frustration that erupted from Demiral. His extraordinary allegations and the subsequent fallout highlight the intense rivalry and rising stakes in Saudi football's new era of high-profile signings.
