Al-Nassr’s board of directors is said to have made a request for foreign referees to officiate in the Arab Super Cup matches.
Al-Nassr will enter the new season with the goal of conquering the Arab Super Cup title. In order to have the best preparation, the Al-Nassr leadership is planning to bring the best conditions for the players.
Specifically, according to a source from Al-Nassr Zone on X, the team’s leadership has requested a foreign referee for the Arab Super Cup semi-final against Al-Taawoun. This request is said to be related to the red card that superstar Cristiano Ronaldo received in the semi-final last year.
Al-Nassr requests foreign referees for Arab Super Cup matches. Photo: Getty
The 39-year-old superstar was booked for protesting a goal disallowed before being sent off for elbowing an Al-Hilal player. Fans later spotted the Portuguese raising his fist at the referee and applauding sarcastically as he left the pitch. Ronaldo’s side eventually lost 2-1.
Ronaldo received a straight red card in the Arab Super Cup semi-final against Al-Hilal. Photo: Getty
The Arabian Super Cup features four teams, including the champions and runners-up of the Saudi Pro League and Kings Cup.
Last season, Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr finished second behind champions Al-Hilal in both the Saudi Pro League and the Kings Cup. As such, the two giants will be participating in the Super Cup alongside Al-Ahli and Al-Taawoun (who finished third and fourth in the Saudi Pro League). Defending champions Al-Hilal will open the tournament against Al-Ahli, while Al-Nassr will face Al-Taawoun.
With Al-Nassr, this team is having a series of friendly matches to forget with disappointing results . Al-Nassr has played a total of 6 matches, including 3 draws, 2 losses and only one win.
It is worth mentioning that superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has not yet joined his teammates as he is still resting after a forgettable Euro 2024 with the Portuguese national team. Last season, the 39-year-old player showed his important role by contributing 50 goals and 13 assists.
Ronaldo had an impressive scoring record last season. Photo: Getty
However, Ronaldo’s impressive achievements could not help Al-Nassr win any titles when facing competition from Al-Hilal, and the team’s fans are expecting the return of the Portuguese superstar to bring back noble titles to the trophy room.