Ivan Toney decided to speak out against the Saudi Pro League officials after being left furious with the decisions in Al-Ahli’s damaging 1-1 draw against Al-Fayha
A furious Ivan Toney has hinted that the officials in the Saudi Pro League are conspiring to ensure Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr win the title. Toney spoke out after his side, Al-Ahli, dropped two vital points in a 1-1 draw against Al-Fayha on Wednesday night.
The draw saw Al-Ahli miss the chance to cut the gap on league leaders Al-Nassr to two points. The result against mid-table Al-Fayha leaves them in third, four points behind Ronaldo’s side, who also have a game in hand.
Toney’s opening goal, his 27th of the league season in as many games, was cancelled out by an equaliser and Al-Ahli couldn’t find a winner on a hugely frustrating night. They saw three penalty appeals – one for a push and two for a handball – dismissed by the referee, who was then backed up by VAR.
Former Brentford striker Toney ranted in a post-match interview about the calls, while hinting at some kind of conspiracy against his team. “The big talking point was the two penalties,” he said. “It’s clear as day. I don’t know what more you want him to do? Pick the ball up with two hands, are you going to give a penalty then or not?
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He added: “Throughout the season it’s a clear penalty, but now we get to crunch time, they change it, I don’t know why.” Asked who he felt was benefiting, Toney replied: “We know who. Who are we chasing?”
He then concluded: “If decisions go our way we have a good chance, but if they continue like this it will be tough”.
Not happy with his interview, Toney then took to Instagram to share clips of the three contentious penalty decisions. “Two of these actions went to VAR and one didn’t. It’s actually crazy how you can miss things like this in crucial moments or choose to turn a blind eye,” he wrote.
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“And without saying too much that may get me in trouble, it’s clear what’s being influenced here!!! Also with the referee telling us to concentrate on a different competition whilst VAR is going on is beyond me.
“And to add with the referee agreeing that the first one was a penalty in the 90+ minute like that’s going to help. But listen I guess I’m probably the bad guy for speaking some truths and pointing out questionable decisions or s*** refereeing.”
He added: “Next time if needed I can bring someone from my area that doesn’t have a clue about football to do a MUCH better job than some of these (clown emoji)!!!!!”
Ronaldo signed for Al-Nassr from Manchester United in December 2022 but is yet to win the Saudi Pro League with the club. Al-Nassr are owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment fund, who also own Toney’s Al-Ahli, as well as second-placed Al-Hilal and sixth-placed Al-Ittihad.
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