Al-Ahli fans are anxiously awaiting the Saudi Arabian Football Federation's Disciplinary and Ethics Committee's decision regarding their star English striker, Ivan Toni. This anticipation stems from the controversy surrounding the player's conduct during his team's match against Damac in the Saudi Professional League, which could potentially rule him out of the crucial Jeddah derby against arch-rivals Al-Ittihad.
Details of the incident and expert opinions
Controversy erupted following Al-Ahli's postponed match against Damac from the tenth round, which Al-Ahli won 1-0. The final minutes of the game witnessed what was described as "unethical" behavior by Ivan Toni towards Damac player Jamal Harkas. This incident did not go unnoticed, sparking a wide-ranging debate among refereeing experts and sports analysts, who unanimously agreed that the player deserved a harsher penalty during the match.
Former international refereeing expert Fahad Al-Mirdasi, in his analysis of the match on the program "Our Club," criticized the referee's failure to issue a straight red card to Toni, asserting that the player's behavior constituted misconduct warranting a direct dismissal according to Article 12 of the Laws of the Game. Al-Mirdasi called on the Disciplinary Committee to review the incident and take the necessary measures, arguing that such actions tarnish the professional image of the Saudi League, which has become a focus of global attention.
The opinion of refereeing analyst Abdullah Al-Qahtani was not much different, as he confirmed through the “Our League” program that the incident requires the intervention of the Disciplinary Committee to impose additional penalties that may reach suspension for several matches, given that the referee did not make the right decision at the time.
General context and importance of the Jeddah derby
This incident takes on added significance as it comes at a critical time for Al-Ahli. The team is preparing to play the Jeddah Derby, one of the oldest and fiercest rivalries in the history of Saudi and Asian football. This derby is not just about three points in the league standings; it is a football battle with immense historical and popular significance, and its outcome directly impacts the morale of both teams and their league campaigns.
Ivan Toni, who joined Al Ahly during the winter transfer window from English club Brentford, is considered one of the team's most valuable assets. Fans and management alike rely on him to lead the attack. His potential absence from the derby would be a significant blow to the team's tactical plans, leaving the coach in a difficult position to find a replacement capable of compensating for his goal-scoring prowess and physical presence.
Expected impact on the league's reputation
With the remarkable development of the Saudi Professional League and its attraction of international stars, all refereeing and disciplinary decisions have come under intense global scrutiny. How the Saudi Arabian Football Federation handles such cases, especially those involving an international player of Ivan Toni's stature, reflects the professionalism of the football system and its commitment to the strict application of regulations and laws to everyone. Therefore, the anticipated decision will not only determine Toni's participation in the derby but will also send a clear message about the disciplinary standards upheld in one of the world's fastest-growing leagues.
