Al Ahli have formally requested foreign referees for Friday’s Roshn Saudi League meeting with Al Nassr, following the tensions and disciplinary action that followed the sides’ previous encounter last season.
Al Ahli will host their traditional rivals at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah in a rearranged fixture from the ninth round.
According to Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiyah, the club submitted its request through the electronic system 16 days before the match, in line with the competition’s regulations. Al Ahli also provided proof of payment for the required fee, which is 375,000 Saudi Riyals. That figure rises to 450,000 Saudi Riyals if a fourth official and video assistant referee are included.
The corresponding fixture in April last season was marked by heated exchanges between players and supporters. The atmosphere intensified after a series of outspoken comments, including remarks by Al Ahli defender Merih Demiral.
Demiral accused local referees of favouring Al Nassr in an effort to help Cristiano Ronaldo, the club captain, win his first official trophy with the team.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s Disciplinary and Ethics Committee subsequently imposed four sanctions on Demiral. He was suspended for one match and fined 50,000 Saudi Riyals for attempting to provoke the opposing supporters.
He received a further 100,000 Saudi Riyals fine for comments made after the match, in which he said everyone was trying to help Al Nassr win the Saudi league. The committee judged those remarks to be offensive to match officials and likely to influence public opinion.
Demiral was also fined 15,000 Saudi Riyals for damaging facilities and property at the stadium, taking his total penalties to about 165,000 Saudi Riyals.
Al Ahli were fined 130,000 Saudi Riyals after their supporters threw 22 water bottles and other objects on to the pitch, although nobody was hit. Al Nassr were fined 100,000 Saudi Riyals after their fans threw 57 bottles and other objects on to the playing surface, again without injuring anyone.
Friday’s fixture carries significant importance in the title race. Al Ahli are sixth with 21 points from seven wins and four defeats, nine points behind leaders Al Hilal. Al Nassr are third on 28 points, two behind Al Hilal and level on points with second-placed Al Qadsiah, who lead them on goal difference.
In the AFC Champions League Elite, Al Ahli are sixth in the Western Group with eight points from two wins and two draws, while Al Nassr are seventh on six points after two victories and one defeat. Al Nassr also have a game in hand against Al Wasl.
Both clubs have reached the last 16 of the King’s Cup. Al Ahli beat Al Anwar 2-1 and will face AlUla at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Stadium in Medina on Monday, 11 January. Al Nassr defeated Al Diriyah 4-1 in the Riyadh derby and will meet Al Kholood at Al Awal Park in Riyadh on the same day.
They are also due to compete in the Saudi Super Cup in Kuwait. Al Ahli face Al Qadsiah on 19 December, while Al Nassr play Al Kholood the following day. If both progress, they will meet in the final on 23 December.