Ivan Toney

CHAOS unfolded in the Asian Champions League as a player was seemingly knocked out cold by an attempted overhead kick. Johor Darul Ta'zim's Jairo Da Silva took the blow to the face from opposition player Ali Majrashi, and ugly scenes followed in their quarter-final clash with England star Ivan Toney's Al-Ahli. As Da Silva lay...

The Toffees are looking to bring in an "unbelievable" centre-forward, who's keen on a Premier League move.

PREMIER LEAGUE: this weekend crystallized Arsenal's great fears. City really feeling themselves. Modest vindication for Arne Slot and Mo Salah (and "Rui" Ngamoha). Relegation battle featuring three clubs and one clownshow. Preview of Sunday's all-important Arsenal at City fixture. HALFTIME: fascism-related weekly what if postponed to next week... stay tuned ROUND THE WORLD: Champions League chatter - which club has the best and worst chance of overturning their first leg deficit plus an extra spicy MLS hit-it-n-quit-it minute STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

What initially seemed like post-match frustration has now evolved into a wider debate, with new developments adding weight to claims that had previously been dismissed. Tension continues to rise in the Saudi Pro League as Cristiano Ronaldo finds himself indirectly at the center of a growing controversy involving Ivan Toney. What initially seemed like post-match frustration has now evolved into a wider debate, with new developments adding weight to claims that had previously been dismissed. The fallout stems from a heated encounter involving Al-Ahli during a crucial league fixture against Al-Fayha, where emotions spilled over after a series of contentious refereeing decisions. With the title race tightening, every incident is being magnified, and the latest twist has only intensified scrutiny on the competition. The 28th Matchday clash ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that significantly impacted the standings. The dropped points left Al-Ahli trailing the league leader Al-Nassr by four points, while also falling behind in the race for second place, raising the stakes for every remaining fixture. Following the final whistle, Toney did not hold back in his criticism of the officiating. He claimed that a member of the refereeing team made a controversial remark, suggesting that his team should focus on a different competition rather than the league itself. 🚨 BREAKING: Ivan Toney has accused Saudi Pro League referees of doing everything possible for Cristiano Ronaldo, Alnassr to win the league. 🗣️”Who benefits?” 🗣️Toney: “The team we’re chasing.” pic.twitter.com/dALXFScrEP — Speedline (@speedlinexx) April 9, 2026 The accusation quickly gained traction, especially as it was supported by voices within the club. The situation escalated further when the coaching staff backed the player’s version of events, turning the incident into a major talking point across the league. Initial denials and mounting doubts In response to the allegations, the Referees’ Committee reportedly conducted a review of the available audio recordings. Their conclusion found no evidence to support the claims, Arriyadiyah suggested, effectively placing the responsibility back on the players and exposing them to potential disciplinary action. This outcome initially cast doubt on Toney’s credibility. Without recorded proof, the narrative appeared to favor the officials, and the controversy seemed close to being resolved. However, the situation has been far from settled. Questions remained about the reliability of the communication system and whether every interaction on the pitch had truly been captured. Watch the clip that changes the narrative The story took a dramatic turn when new footage surfaced online, offering a different perspective on the incident. The video appears to show a confrontation between the club’s interpreter and the fourth official, directly referencing the alleged comment, bringing fresh attention to Toney’s claims. 🚨💣 𝗨𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗧 : Des images du diffuseur officiel sont sorties et l’on entend ce que le traducteur d’Al Ahli dit au 4 ème arbitre : « C’est enregistré ? Est-ce que ce que tu dis est enregistré ? Quand tu dis : “Concentrez-vous sur l’AFC” (la Ligue des champions asiatique) ?… pic.twitter.com/bdrGCRSqg7 — SPL 🇸🇦 (@ActuSPL) April 10, 2026 In the clip, the interpreter can be heard pressing the official for clarity. “Was what you said recorded? When you told us to focus only on Asia, was that recorded?” he asked, highlighting the core of the dispute. 🚨🚨🚨 — مقطع جديد للكارثة !!! 😱😱😱 : اسمع بنفسك وش يقول الحكم للاعبين !!!! pic.twitter.com/v7opOv4Zox — A (@MD7_1) April 10, 2026 The reaction from the official, described as visibly stunned, added further intrigue. While the footage does not provide definitive proof of the original statement, it strengthens the argument that an unrecorded exchange may have taken place. How the technology could explain everything Refereeing expert Nawaf Shukrallah offered a technical explanation that may bridge the gap between both sides of the story. According to his analysis, the communication system used by officials is not entirely uniform. “The fourth official wears a headset he can switch off at any time,” Shukrallah explained on Saudi sports channels, outlining a key difference compared to other match officials. This detail is crucial in understanding the controversy. If the microphone was switched off during the interaction, the conversation would not appear in the official recordings, providing a plausible explanation for why no evidence was initially found.

Now, with uncertainty surrounding Toney’s future, the situation carries even greater weight for the balance of power at the top. Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivan Toney have found themselves at the center of a growing storm, one that stretches far beyond a single match or result. At a time when the Saudi Pro League is fighting to cement its global reputation, fresh developments have raised questions that refuse to fade quietly. The controversy surrounding the league’s competitive integrity has intensified, with tension building around key decisions and what they could mean for the title race. Now, with uncertainty surrounding Toney’s future, the situation carries even greater weight for the balance of power at the top. The flashpoint came after Al-Ahli’s 1-1 draw against Al-Fayha, a result that left Toney’s side trailing in the title race. The Englishman, who has been prolific this season, did not hold back when addressing the officiating, pointing to moments he believed changed the course of the game. “The big talking point was the two penalties… it’s as clear as day,” he said, voicing frustration that has been building over weeks. His comments were not isolated, as teammates echoed similar concerns about consistency and fairness. The striker’s remarks quickly gained traction, especially when he hinted at who might benefit from such decisions. “We know who. Who are we chasing?” he added, a line that only intensified speculation around Cristiano Ronaldo and his club’s position at the top. 🚨 BREAKING: Ivan Toney has accused Saudi Pro League referees of doing everything possible for Cristiano Ronaldo, Alnassr to win the league. 🗣️”Who benefits?” 🗣️Toney: “The team we’re chasing.” pic.twitter.com/dALXFScrEP — Speedline (@speedlinexx) April 9, 2026 Al-Ahli set to seal Toney’s fate? While the public debate has focused on refereeing and results, a separate development has quietly added another layer to the story. 365Scores Arabic suggests that Ivan Toney’s situation off the pitch is now pushing Al-Ahli towards seriously considering a summer departure. This potential shift, expected to come into focus ahead of the 2026 World Cup, could reshape not only the club’s plans but also the dynamics of the league. Toney has been central to Al-Ahli’s campaign, delivering 27 league goals and leading the scoring charts. Ivan Toney of Al Ahli celebrates after scoring Yet his growing frustration, combined with external factors, has reportedly forced the club to consider whether a summer change is necessary. Such a move would send shockwaves through the competition. What it would mean for Ronaldo If Al-Ahli were to move in that direction, the ripple effects would be immediate. Cristiano Ronaldo’s position at the next top goalscorers summit could become even stronger, with one of his closest challengers potentially not being there to challenge him. Current Saudi Pro League Golden Boot standings. pic.twitter.com/83ItylJnOp — The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) April 8, 2026 The narrative surrounding Ronaldo has already been amplified by Toney’s comments, fairly or not. In a league where perception matters as much as results, any shift in competitive balance will only intensify the spotlight on the Portuguese star.

With Toney and Galeno accusing the league of leaning toward the Portuguese superstar, Al-Nassr’s next move looms large over an already volatile situation. The Saudi Pro League finds itself at the center of growing tension, with Cristiano Ronaldo indirectly tied to a controversy that is rapidly escalating. While Al-Nassr continues its push at the top, voices from within the rival dressing room, particularly Ivan Toney and his Al-Ahli teammate Galeno, have raised serious questions that now threaten to overshadow the title race. What should have been another competitive chapter in the season instead opened a door to deeper suspicion, with Ronaldo’s club quietly preparing a response while the debate around refereeing bias exploded across the country. With Toney and Galeno accusing the league of leaning toward the Portuguese superstar, Al-Nassr’s next move looms large over an already volatile situation. The spark came after Al-Ahli’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Al-Fayha, a result that kept the club four points behind the leaders. Toney, who scored his 27th league goal, walked off the pitch furious, venting first in interviews and later online. What followed was a cascade of statements that thrust the entire competition into an uncomfortable spotlight. “The big talking point was the two penalties. It’s clear as day,” he told Thmanyah, frustration still tightening his voice. Toney described two separate handball incidents that, in his view, should have changed the match. He added that during one exchange, “the referee tries to tell us to focus on the AFC Champions League.” 🚨 BREAKING: Ivan Toney has accused Saudi Pro League referees of doing everything possible for Cristiano Ronaldo, Alnassr to win the league. 🗣️”Who benefits?” 🗣️Toney: “The team we’re chasing.” pic.twitter.com/dALXFScrEP — Speedline (@speedlinexx) April 9, 2026 Galeno echoed the sentiment even more bluntly. In an emotional message on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: “They might as well just hand over the trophy… They want to give the trophy to one specific person.” The implication was unmistakable. Both statements lit a firestorm that the league could not ignore. Al Ahli’s Galeno on X pic.twitter.com/lqmX44vmi9 — Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) April 8, 2026 VAR decisions under the spotlight with Ronaldo likely at the center of the storm The argument from Al-Ahli is simple: there was a pattern. Two potential penalties escaped intervention. VAR, meant to bring clarity, instead deepened the confusion. To many inside the club, this was more than human error. The Royals later released a formal statement deepening its stance. “The referee’s decisions had a direct impact on the flow of the game and its final outcome,” the club noted, demanding access to recording and communication between the match officials and the VAR booth. The message continued, “Such errors raise legitimate concerns regarding the referee selection process and the criteria applied.” These remarks, paired with Toney’s interview and Galeno’s online posts, formed the most direct accusations of favoritism the Saudi Pro League has confronted this season. They also touched an uncomfortable nerve about Ronaldo’s role in the league’s broader commercial strategy. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr looks on prior a Saudi Pro League match Every word from Al-Ahli’s camp was interpreted through the lens of Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence. Toney didn’t say his name outright, but he didn’t need to. “We know who [the decisions] benefit. Who are we chasing?” he asked in the post-match interview. Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia was a landmark moment. For many, a title for Al-Nassr would symbolize the success of the league’s investment strategy. Al-Nassr to reportedly reveal its hand Behind the scenes, Al-Nassr will not choose to remain silent. After days of speculation, sources reported that the club has a concrete response ready. According to Nawaf Al-Tamimi, “Al-Nassr will file an official complaint against Ivan Toney and Galeno with the Disciplinary Committee on Sunday.” This move, once officially submitted, will set a new precedent for how public criticism of referees is handled. Legal advisor Salman Al Ramali explained the consequences in stark terms. In comments to Okaz, he stated: “The comments made… amount to a direct accusation affecting the integrity of the competition… Article 50 provides for a suspension of up to one year and a fine reaching 300,000 riyals.” His closing warning was even more cutting. “Any lack of action would damage the competition’s image and fan trust.”

The former Brentford striker gave a deeply unimpressed interview on the pitch after his Al-Ahli side lost ground in the title race with Ronaldo's Al-Nassr

The former Brentford striker fumed at three rejected penalty appeals as his side dropped two points in the title race, accusing match officials of ‘choos[ing] to turn a blind eye’

Ivan Toney and Al Ahli reportedly face backlash over claims that referees indirectly lent a hand to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr have been drawn into a fresh controversy sparked by Al Ahli‘s most recent match, which was marred by a series of disputed refereeing decisions. Following the statements and accusations made in the aftermath, Ivan Toney and the Saudi club have reportedly faced pushback over their claims. The 2025-26 Saudi Pro League added yet another officiating controversy to its list after the match between Al Ahli and Al Fayha. Several uncalled penalties and questionable decisions prompted Al Ahli to release a formal statement expressing their “deep dissatisfaction with the refereeing errors that affected today’s match.” One of the most direct voices in the fallout was Ivan Toney, who leveled a pointed accusation at fourth official Abdulrahman Al-Sultan. “The referee told us after the match… ‘Focus on the Asian Champions League. How does a referee say something like that? His head is somewhere else. I hope it was recorded and gets released,” Toney told Saudi network Thmanyah after the game, sentiments that were echoed by head coach Matthias Jaissle. However, according to Saudi outlet Al-Arriyadiyah, no evidence has been found to support the accusations against Al-Sultan. The Main Referees Committee of the Saudi Football Federation reviewed the full audio recordings from the Al Ahli vs. Al Fayha match and found nothing to corroborate the claims made by Toney and Jaissle. « 𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗨𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗛 𝗣𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗤𝗨𝗢𝗜 𝗧𝗨 𝗙𝗔𝗜𝗦 𝗖̧𝗔 ? » 😭 La discussion entre Matthias Jaissle (entraîneur d’Al Ahli) et l’arbitre à la fin du match sur la séquence du penalty non sifflé : 🗣️ : « Explique-nous pourquoi tu n’as pas sifflé ? » 🗣️ arbitre : « Plus… https://t.co/0KIPtGvsH3 pic.twitter.com/gIwgTVKQHT — SPL 🇸🇦 (@ActuSPL) April 8, 2026 The committee launched its review following Al Ahli’s formal request for “access to the recordings and communications between the referees and the VAR, as well as their interactions with the team’s players during the match.” Despite a thorough examination of the available material, the investigation turned up no evidence supporting the allegations. Controversy keeps growing around Al Nassr The 1-1 draw against Al Fayha prevented Al Ahli from closing the gap on league leaders Al Nassr, leaving them third in the Saudi Pro League standings with 66 points, four behind the top. When asked after the game which team benefited from the disputed decisions, Toney did not hesitate, saying it was “the team we’re chasing,” a clear reference to Cristiano Ronaldo’s side. Brazilian forward Galeno was equally blunt in his assessment, writing on X that “they want to give the trophy to one specific person,” widely interpreted as a direct dig at Ronaldo. In the meantime, with a game still in hand, Al Nassr will look to extend their lead at the summit of the table when they travel to face Al Akhdoud on Saturday.

IVAN TONEY has suggested the Saudi title race is being "influenced" in a spectacular rant over refereeing decisions. The England and Al-Ahli striker, 30, went berserk after Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Al-Fayha - and continued his tirade on Instagram. Toney, who scored his 27th goal of the season in the game, felt he and his...