between Al-Ahli and Damac , which took place at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium as part of the postponed tenth round of the Saudi Professional League witnessed widespread controversy due to an unsportsmanlike incident involving Al-Ahli defender, Brazilian Roger Ibanez , and not Ivan Toni as was mistakenly reported.
General context and importance of the match
Both teams entered the match with high ambitions. Al-Ahli, one of Saudi Arabia's top clubs and a strong return to the Pro League, aimed to compete for the title this season after bolstering its squad with a host of international stars such as Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Franck Kessié. A victory in this rescheduled match would have propelled Al-Ahli to the top of the standings for the first time this season, providing a tremendous morale boost for the team and its fans. On the other hand, Damac proved to be a tough and well-organized opponent, striving for a positive result against one of the title contenders and aiming to solidify its position in the safe mid-table.
Details of the controversial incident
The match was tense and heated, and amidst the intense competition on the pitch, Damac managed to score a goal they thought would give them the lead. However, after consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the referee disallowed the goal, sparking outrage and deep frustration among the Damac players, especially the goalscorer, who visibly expressed his displeasure. At that moment, cameras captured Al-Ahli defender Roger Ibanez approaching the Damac player and making a provocative gesture, pointing to his eyes and miming crying, clearly mocking the opposing player's frustration. The video of this incident quickly went viral on social media, sparking a wave of criticism against the Brazilian defender's behavior, which many considered unsportsmanlike.
Expected impact and match results
The match ended with a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Al-Ahli, courtesy of a goal from Ivorian striker Franck Kessié, securing the team's goal of reaching the top of the league. However, the repercussions of the match extended beyond the three points, with the focus shifting to the incident involving Ibanez. Domestically, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation's Disciplinary and Ethics Committee is expected to launch an investigation into the matter, and Ibanez could face suspension or a fine, potentially impacting his team's defense in upcoming matches. This behavior also puts high-profile foreign players under scrutiny, as they are expected to set a positive example in sportsmanship. Furthermore, such incidents could escalate tensions and heighten the rivalry between the two clubs in future encounters.
