Some players have complained in recent days about the refereeing in the Saudi league. The latest to do so was Al Ahly forward Ivan Toney (30). The former English international from Newcastle United, who yesterday faced Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr (41), commented that it seems like they are conspiring to help the Portuguese team win the championship, which is within reach.
A journalist asked him about the toxic atmosphere that had already started before yesterday's match due to all these criticisms, and Ronaldo was blunt: "It’s not good for the league, everyone complaining, everyone talking more than they should... This is not a war, this is football. Not everything is allowed. I will have time to talk when the season ends."
"Too many players complaining on Instagram and Facebook, talking about the league, its refereeing, and the project... This is not good. We need to set an example, not only here but for Europe as well. We want to compete with them to be one of the best leagues, but with this... I think we need to reflect and stop this because, for me, this is not football."