Mamelodi Sundowns fans mock Al Ahli Saudi with relegation taunt

Al Ahli Saudi were subjected to a taunt from the stands during their 2-1 defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns in the Clubs’ Intercontinental Cup.

A supporter of the South African side was filmed holding a banner written in Arabic which read: “The shame of relegation will never be erased.”

The phrase has been used in recent years by rival fans in Saudi Arabian football to mock Al Ahli Saudi’s relegation to the first division in 2022.

The sign appeared during a difficult night for Al Ahli Saudi, who were beaten after Mamelodi Sundowns twice took the lead. The African champions opened the scoring before the Saudi side equalised, only for the home team to regain their advantage and claim an important victory.

Video of the banner, apparently recorded in the Mamelodi Sundowns stands, circulated widely on social media after the match.

Its use attracted particular attention because the phrase is associated with domestic rivalry in Saudi Arabia, yet was displayed during an African club’s match against a Saudi team. The moment therefore brought a familiar line from Al Ahli Saudi’s local rivalries into an international setting.

The incident also came as Al Ahli Saudi suffered another setback in their tournament campaign. Despite recovering from their first deficit, they were unable to preserve the draw and eventually left the match empty-handed.

The image quickly became a talking point among Saudi football supporters, with much of the reaction focused on the unusual journey of the phrase from local stands to a match involving Mamelodi Sundowns.

The banner’s wording was: “The shame of relegation will never be erased.” Its appearance added a notable supporters’ moment to a match already decided by Mamelodi Sundowns’ late recovery of the lead.

The defeat leaves Al Ahli Saudi having lost 2-1 after a game in which they twice had to respond to the South African side’s attacking pressure. Mamelodi Sundowns, meanwhile, secured the result after restoring their advantage and holding on for victory.