Cristiano Ronaldo was involved in a post-match incident as Al-Nassr's 2-0 Saudi Pro League win over Al-Ahli was overshadowed by a chaotic on-pitch altercation after the full-time whistle
09:19, 30 Apr 2026
Merih Demiral argues with Cristiano Ronaldo
Things turned ugly in the aftermath of Al-Nassr's win over Al Ahli(Image: X)
Cristiano Ronaldo found himself at the center of a post-match flashpoint following Al-Nassr's 2-0 victory over Al-Ahli.
The two sides clashed in the Saudi Pro League on Wednesday at Alawwal Park, with Liverpool icon Saido Mane starting the game. Al-Nassr sealed the three points courtesy of goals from Ronaldo and Kingsley Coman, stretching the team's advantage over Al-Hilal at the summit of the league table to eight points as it powers into the final stretch of the campaign.
The result also marked the club's 16th consecutive league triumph and its 20th successive victory across all competitions. Yet, what should have been a moment of celebration before a packed home crowd rapidly descended into disorder.
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Merih Demiral was seen squaring up to Ronaldo moments after the final whistle, requiring players and staff to intervene and restrain him.
He then made a direct approach toward Coman, with the Frenchman seen gesturing toward him before moving away. Nawaf Boushal was also observed exchanging heated words and gestures with Ivan Toney before the Englishman distanced himself from the confrontation.
Demiral was subsequently seen retrieving one of his two Asian Champions League medals, draping it around his neck and brandishing it toward the Al-Nassr supporters, biting it while aggressively fist-pumping in what appeared to be a deliberate act of provocation.
Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo are edging closer to a Saudi Pro League title
Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo are edging closer to a Saudi Pro League title(Image: Getty Images)
Mohamed Simakan, in contrast, completed a celebratory lap around the ground brandishing a sizeable Al-Nassr flag, keeping his distance from the fracas after displaying it provocatively toward Demiral. The flag eventually made its way to Ronaldo, who was seen laughing with his colleague before attempting to embed it into the ground.
Once tempers had subsided and Al-Ahli's contingent had departed the field, Al-Nassr's squad reveled in celebrations alongside supporters. Ronaldo was also observed taking a dig at Demiral during his post-match comments, chuckling as he declared: "Five Champions, I have. I have five, five!"
Addressing the considerable "stress" surrounding the match and its fallout, he revealed plans to engage with league authorities this summer, expressing dismay at ongoing "bad things" and grievances. He remarked: "I think this is not good for the league.
"Everyone complains, everyone does it more than they should do. This is football, this is not a war.
"We know we have to fight, everyone wants to win, but it's not allowed, everything. It's not allowed, everything.
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"I'm going to have time to speak at the end of the season because I see many, many, many bad things. Many players complain, doing posts on Instagram and Facebook.
"Speak about the referees, speak about the league, speak about the project. I think this is not good. This is not the goal of the league.
"We should give examples, not only here, but also for Europe. We want to compete with them to be one of the best leagues in the world. But like that, I think we should analyze. Stop that, speak with the SPL because, for me, this is not football."