Al-Ahli turn to overseas officials for high-stakes Al-Nassr meeting

Al-Ahli have formally requested foreign referees for Friday’s Roshn Saudi League classico against Al-Nassr, following the controversy that surrounded the fixture between the two clubs last season.

Al-Ahli will host their traditional rivals at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah in a rearranged match from round nine of the Saudi top flight.

According to Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiyah, the club submitted its request through the league’s electronic system 16 days before the fixture, in line with the regulations. The application included proof of payment for the foreign-officials fee, which is 375,000 Saudi riyals. That figure rises to 450,000 riyals if a fourth official is appointed alongside the video assistant referee.

Last season’s meeting, played in April, was marked by tension among players and supporters. The atmosphere was fuelled by several inflammatory comments, including remarks from Al-Ahli defender Merih Demiral.

The Turkey international claimed local referees were favouring Al-Nassr in an effort to help Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portugal forward and Al-Nassr captain, win his first official trophy with the club.

The Saudi Football Federation’s Disciplinary and Ethics Committee subsequently imposed four penalties on Demiral. He was suspended for one match and fined 50,000 riyals for attempting to provoke the opposing supporters.

He was also fined 100,000 riyals for post-match comments in which he said everyone was trying to help Al-Nassr win the Saudi league. The committee ruled that the remarks insulted match officials and were likely to influence public opinion.

A further fine of 15,000 riyals was issued after Demiral damaged facilities and property at the stadium, taking the total imposed on the defender to about 165,000 riyals.

Al-Ahli were fined 130,000 riyals after their supporters threw 22 water bottles and other objects on to the pitch, although nobody was hit. Al-Nassr were also punished, receiving a 100,000-riyal fine after their fans threw 57 bottles and other items on to the field, again without injuring anyone.

The upcoming fixture is important to both clubs as they seek to remain in contention for the Roshn Saudi League title.

Al-Ahli are sixth with 21 points from seven wins and four defeats, nine points behind leaders Al-Hilal. Al-Nassr are third on 28 points, two behind Al-Hilal and level on points with second-placed Al-Qadsiah, who lead them only on goal difference.

In the AFC Champions League Elite, Al-Ahli are sixth in the West Group with eight points from two wins and two draws, remaining unbeaten. Al-Nassr are seventh on six points, with two victories and one defeat, and have a postponed match against UAE club Al Wasl.

Both sides have also reached the King’s Cup round of 16. Al-Ahli beat Al Anwar 2-1 and will play Al Ula at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Stadium in Medina on Monday, 11 January. Al-Nassr defeated Al-Diriyah 4-1 in the Riyadh derby and face Al-Kholood at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh on the same date.

The clubs are due to compete in the Saudi Super Cup in Kuwait. Al-Ahli meet Al-Qadsiah on 19 December, while Al-Nassr play Al-Kholood a day later. If both progress, they will meet in the final on 23 December.