Ivan Toney Criticizes Officiating After Al-Ahli Draw, Makes Title Race Claims
Al-Ahli forward Ivan Toney has launched a scathing criticism of the officiating in his side's 1-1 draw with Al-Fayha in the Saudi Pro League on Wednesday, suggesting decisions were not impartial in a tight title race.
The England international, who scored his team's goal in the 1-1 draw, was left fuming after the match, claiming his side were denied two clear penalties. The result leaves Al-Ahli third in the table, with Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal ahead of them.
In a post-match interview, Toney was scathing in his assessment of the officiating. "They defended well, but the most important thing is the two clear penalties that were not given," Toney said. "When we started talking to the referee about it, he told us: 'Focus on the AFC Champions League.' How can a referee say that? We talk to him and he tells us to focus on the AFC?"
The striker's comments, which included a pointed reference to the teams Al-Ahli is chasing, have stirred controversy. "All season, you give a penalty in that situation, except when the crucial moment of the season arrives: then he changes his mind... We know who it's for. Those we are chasing," Toney said, in a clear reference to title rivals Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal. Al-Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, currently lead the league.
Toney's move to Al-Ahli last summer from Brentford was a major coup for the Saudi Pro League, with the club paying a reported fee in the region of £30 million for the striker. The English forward has been a key figure for the Jeddah-based club, scoring 11 goals in 22 league appearances this season. His form has been a bright spot in a campaign where Al-Ahli have remained in the title conversation, though they now face an uphill battle to catch the top two.
The 28-year-old's post-match outburst is likely to attract scrutiny from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. His suggestion of bias in a tense title race is a serious allegation, and his public criticism of the match officials could potentially lead to disciplinary action. For Al-Ahli, the dropped points and the nature of the result represent a significant setback. With the season reaching its climax, the psychological impact of Toney's comments and the dropped points could prove pivotal in the final weeks of the Saudi Pro League season.
