Al-Nassr fans turn on Cristiano Ronaldo and call for Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal

Al-Nassr fans have reacted angrily to their side’s 4-0 defeat by Al Ain, directing criticism at captain Cristiano Ronaldo, several players and head coach Ange Postecoglou.

The heavy loss prompted widespread frustration among supporters, who felt Al-Nassr failed to pose a serious threat for long periods of the match. Ronaldo was not spared, with some fans holding the Portugal forward partly responsible for the performance.

One supporter described the captain’s display as “pathetic”, reflecting the strength of feeling after Al-Nassr were comfortably beaten by their Emirati opponents.

Postecoglou came in for even greater criticism. Supporters argued that the Australian had failed to make the expected impact since taking charge and that his team showed no clear attacking or defensive solutions against Al Ain.

Calls for the club to dismiss the manager grew during and after the match, with particular focus on his response from the touchline. Some fans viewed his calm demeanour and inability to alter the course of the game as evidence that he did not have the answers required to rescue the team.

“Ange’s cold reaction shows that he is not the right coach for Al-Nassr,” one supporter wrote.

Another message called for the club to assess the situations of “Semedo, Simakan and the legend Cristiano Ronaldo” following what supporters regarded as a damaging defeat in Asia.

One post added: “A quick solution, without hesitation, to restore Al-Nassr. If they want trophies: dismiss Ange, sign a number six born in Saudi Arabia and sign a left-back born in Saudi Arabia.”

The comments reflected the depth of anger among the Al-Nassr support, with some fans also directing their frustration specifically at Ronaldo. One message simply read: “Ronaldo, you’ve exhausted us, I swear.”

Another supporter criticised those who had previously praised Postecoglou, referring to him as “the cow that gives no milk”, and warned that further significant results were still to come for Al-Nassr in the league, cup, Super Cup and AFC Champions League Elite.

The defeat was particularly disappointing for supporters who had expected a stronger performance in the continental competition after Ronaldo and his team-mates returned to the tournament.

Instead, Al-Nassr left Hazza bin Zayed Stadium with a heavy loss, intensifying debate over the manager, the squad and the club’s ability to challenge for major honours.