Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez was held back by Al Diraiyah staff as he was involved in a heated bust-up during the Saudi Pro League clash against Al Qadsiah
Darwin Nunez of Al Diraiyah and Nacho Fernandez of Al Qadsiah
Darwin Nunez of Al Diraiyah and Nacho Fernandez of Al Qadsiah(Image: Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
Darwin Nunez had to be held back by Al Diraiyah staff after a feisty game against Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League that his side lost by two goals to nil.
The former Liverpool striker has scored two goals in three games since signing for Al Diraiyah on loan from Al Hilal, where he had been frozen out. But Nunez was fuming at the final whistle of his latest appearance, in which teammate Oscar Rodriguez was sent off deep into stoppage time.
Earlier in the game, Nunez thought he had won a penalty, only for VAR to overturn it. Al Qadsiah's win kept it level with Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr and only three points off early league leaders Al Hilal.
Nunez had to be ushered away and towards the tunnel as he gestured toward multiple Al Qadsiah players, clearly having been riled as the clock ticked down.
"The [last] six months I spent at Al-Hilal were very difficult for me and my family, because I could no longer play matches," the 27-year-old said last week.
"Honestly, I would never want anyone to go through an experience like mine, because ultimately, all of us footballers want to compete, play, and enjoy doing what we do.
Darwin Nunez during the World Cup game between Uruguay and Spain
Darwin Nunez during the World Cup game between Uruguay and Spain(Image: David Ramos/Getty Images)
"I’ve moved past that difficult period now and feel good here.
"I got through that difficult time thanks to my family, who were always there supporting me every step of the way.
"Every day at work, I tried to go in happy and give my best, even though I couldn't compete, and just try to help the team."
Nunez left Liverpool in the summer of 2025 for a fee of around $63 million (£47 million). This summer, he was linked with Trabzonspor and other clubs in Turkey before deciding to stay in the Middle East.
Content Image
Content Image
"Today I’m here, happy to be competing again and to be scoring once more," he said after scoring twice against Al Ettifaq, the team that Steven Gerrard managed for a spell.
"I would have been happy with one goal, but I’m overjoyed with the two.
"I want to congratulate the team for their effort, especially given the heat, which makes playing a bit tough. Thanks to my family, my wife and children, who were always by my side and didn't let me lose heart during that time."