Merih Demiral claims referees favour Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr after medal taunt and 2-0 defeat | OneFootball

Merih Demiral alleged that referees are being influenced to help Al-Nassr win the Saudi Pro League after Al-Ahli’s 2-0 defeat on Wednesday, a match that ended amid ugly scenes.

According to Goal.com, the Turkish centre-back clashed with Cristiano Ronaldo and Kingsley Coman at full-time, then walked around the pitch displaying his AFC Champions League Elite winners’ medal.

He later underlined the provocation by noting it was the first time a Champions League medal had been in Al-Nassr’s stadium, a pointed reminder of his team’s recent continental triumph despite their rivals’ heavyweight spending.

Demiral was furious with several decisions during the game, particularly a challenge by Coman that he felt merited a red card. He showed marks on his foot afterwards to illustrate the force of the tackle.

He went further by asserting that officials are aiding Al-Nassr and that the league wants them to prevail. Despite the setback, he insisted his side would remain on top.

Attention now turns to possible disciplinary action. Demiral’s taunt and his officiating claims are expected to be reviewed by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s disciplinary committee, with both clubs awaiting the official reports and potential fines or suspensions.

Source: Goal.com