Newcastle post about Matthias Jaissle fuels anger among Al-Ahli fans after Sundowns defeat

Al-Ahli fans have reacted angrily to a social media post from Newcastle United featuring former manager Matthias Jaissle, after the Saudi club suffered a shock 2-1 defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns in the Intercontinental Club Cup final in South Africa on Saturday.

The result increased frustration surrounding Al-Ahli, whose form and overall direction have deteriorated after winning the AFC Champions League Elite in each of the past two seasons.

Jaissle left Al-Ahli to join Newcastle United, while the Saudi club also ended its contracts with, or chose not to renew the deals of, several key players, including Riyad Mahrez and Franck Kessie. Al-Ahli have consequently begun the current season in disarray on several fronts.

At the same time as Al-Ahli were losing to Mamelodi Sundowns, Newcastle were celebrating a 2-1 victory over Hull City before the international break.

The Magpies are eighth in the Premier League with eight points, four behind second-placed Arsenal and leaders Manchester City. Manchester City could extend their advantage over Newcastle to seven points when they face Sunderland on Sunday.

However, Newcastle’s attempt to mark their victory was interpreted differently by some Al-Ahli supporters and fans of rival Saudi clubs.

Fans question Jaissle’s departure

Newcastle’s Arabic-language account posted a picture of Jaissle smiling after the Hull victory, accompanied by the message: “The feeling of going into the international break after winning.”

The post, published on 19 September 2026, prompted a strong response from Saudi supporters. Some viewed it as an intentional provocation aimed at Al-Ahli, while others used the moment to question why Jaissle had left the club.

One account, Abu Nawar, wrote: “What were the reasons for Matthias’ departure? If you have the answer, I hope you can enlighten us.”

Another user, SH, who appeared to support one of Al-Ahli’s domestic rivals, posted: “Oh my goodness, have mercy on them,” while fayez_1976 wrote: “It was deliberate.”

Divided opinions over the manager

Some Al-Ahli supporters took the opportunity to criticise Jaissle, with hani writing: “He is only a trainee coach who was carried by Mahrez and Kessie. Don’t be fooled; time will show you, and you will see what happens to him. I’m laughing at you, you lowly Englishman.”

Others defended the German manager and praised the impact he has had at Newcastle. سعد الحريري wrote: “This coach has a passion for management and is technically capable. Newcastle have changed with him and become a strong team, and he is heading into one of the best leagues in the world.”

Al-Ahli supporter ابو بتال also interpreted the Newcastle post as part of a wider criticism of the club’s recent decisions, writing: “This tweet clearly comes from the same person who dismantled Al-Ahli after 2016.”

Another user focused on the timing of the message, describing it as “disrespectful, I swear to God.”