Quiet Cristiano: Ronaldo remains silent on real feelings towards Saudi Pro League

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FT Desk

Towards the end of last season, Cristiano Ronaldo said he would get some feelings off his chest with regard to criticism of the Saudi Pro League.

Throughout the campaign, particularly in the final matches of the title race, several opponents of Ronaldo's club Al-Nassr criticised the refereeing standards in the Saudi Pro League and some even suggested that officials were favouring Al-Nassr in order to get CR7 his first title in the Middle East.

Following a win against Al-Ahli in which Ronaldo and Kingsley Coman scored, the latter avoided a red card after a robust challenge on defender Merih Demiral, who didn't take too kindly to the tackle as a melee ensued.

Demiral, complaining that referees were supposedly once again favouring Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, took out his Asian Champions League winners' medal and paraded it to the Al-Nassr fans.

Demiral and team-mates Ivan Toney and Galeno all suggested that referees were giving preferential treatment.

Following Al-Ahli's loss, Galeno posted on social media:

"Hand over the trophy, that's what they want, they want to knock us out of the Championship by any means necessary, they want to hand the trophy to one person, a total lack of respect for our club."

The standard of refereeing was an overall concern in the Saudi Pro League last season, with various pundits, managers and players all responding negatively to a raft of decisions on the pitch.

Al-Ahli previously suffered damage to their championship ambitions when they only managed a 1-1 draw against Al-Fayha.

Al-Ahli believe they should have been awarded a number of penalties during the game and at least two were waved away by VAR despite the protests of the players.

TONEY JUST SAID THIS… 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

“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.”

Asked who benefits?
Toney: “The team we’re chasing.” pic.twitter.com/eqKfhUBrZb

— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol) April 8, 2026

Toney, who had given his side the lead before they were pegged back, didn't hold back in his appraisal of the officiating.

"Two of these actions went to VAR and one didn’t. It’s actually crazy how you can miss things like this in crucial moments or choose to turn a blind eye," he wrote on social media.

"And without saying too much that may get me in trouble, it’s clear what’s being influenced here!!!

"Also with the referee telling us to concentrate on a different competition whilst VAR is going on is beyond me.

"And to add with the referee agreeing that the first one was a penalty in the 90+ minute like that’s going to help. But listen, I guess I’m probably the bad guy for speaking some truths and pointing out questionable decisions or s*** refereeing."

The draw saw Al-Ahli miss the chance to cut the gap on Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Nassr to two points.

The club, too, released a statement condemning the poor refereeing:

"Al Ahli Club Company expresses its deep dissatisfaction with the refereeing errors that affected today's match of the first football team against Al Fayha in Round 29 of the Saudi Roshn League. The referee's decisions had a direct impact on the flow of the game and its final outcome, which in turn affected the team's position in the title race.

"Such errors raise legitimate concerns regarding the referee selection process and the criteria applied, particularly given the high technical and competitive level of the Saudi Roshn League. The team has faced unfair refereeing decisions, an unacceptable situation that neither serves the development of the competition nor upholds the principle of competitive fairness, which must be the foundation of any successful tournament.

If you don’t understand what’s happening in Saudi League, players are accusing the league of rigging it so bad, so that Ronaldo could win the league.

If you watched Al Nassr’s last game and you see the penalty given, you’ll further understand.

There’s also been many wrong… https://t.co/NzsXMdZK8g

— TobyWrites (@tobyasky) April 9, 2026

"Al-Ahli Club Company calls for access to the recordings and communications between the referees and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), as well as their interactions with the team's players during the match. It also requests clear explanations for all refereeing incidents where decisions were not correctly made.

"In closing, Al Ahli Club Company reaffirms its confidence in the commitment of the relevant authorities to safeguarding the integrity of the competition and taking the necessary practical steps that reflect the high standing the Saudi Roshn League has reached."

Ronaldo believed that criticisms over the standard of officiating hurt the brand of the league and that he planned to address all of these criticisms at the conclusion of the season.

"I think this is not good for the league. Everyone complains," he said.

"This is football, this is not a war. We know we have to fight, everyone wants to win. But not everything is allowed.

"I am going to speak at the end of the season because I've seen many, many bad things."

The problem is, the Portuguese superstar hasn't made good on that promise to make his feelings known after he got what he wanted, and that was a title victory for Al-Nassr.

It may be the case that Ronaldo does eventually get some things off his chest, but for now he's happy to head into the new campaign as a defending champion.

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FT Desk

FootballTransfers' desk

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