Saudi Pro League refereeing bias claims erupt as Ivan Toney and Al-Ahli allege officials are favouring Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in title race

Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney has sparked a major controversy in the Saudi Pro League after making explosive claims of biased officiating, following his side’s 1-1 draw with Al-Fayha on Wednesday.

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The Saudi Pro League refereeing bias claims have intensified tensions at the top of the table, where Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr currently lead the title race by two points with a game in hand.

Toney, who scored his 27th goal of the season in the draw, alleged that Al-Ahli were denied clear penalty decisions and suggested that officiating errors are influencing the championship battle.

According to the England international, players questioned refereeing decisions during the match but were told to focus on the AFC Champions League instead, a remark he described as inappropriate in such a crucial league fixture.

The Saudi Pro League refereeing bias claims escalated further when Toney hinted that repeated controversial decisions appear to benefit Al-Nassr, indirectly referencing Ronaldo’s side in the title race.

Al-Ahli have since formally requested access to VAR audio recordings, demanding transparency and detailed explanations for key refereeing decisions they believe were incorrectly made.

Toney stated that several penalty appeals during the match were “clear as day,” expressing frustration over what he described as inconsistent decision-making at a critical stage of the season.

He later amplified his concerns on social media, sharing clips of the incidents and accusing officials of “turning a blind eye” to crucial moments that could affect the title outcome.

His teammate Galeno added to the controversy with a strongly worded post, suggesting that the league was being influenced in a way that undermines competitive fairness.

With seven matches remaining, the title race remains finely balanced, and the Saudi Pro League refereeing bias claims are likely to fuel further scrutiny over officiating standards as the season reaches its climax.

Also read: Limpar Urges Cristiano Ronaldo to Retire After Record Chase

Al-Nassr, led by Ronaldo, remain on course for a potential league triumph that would mark a major milestone in the Portuguese forward’s Saudi career.