Ivan Toney and right-back Mohammed Abdulrahman locked horns during a water break as Al-Ahli's Saudi Roshn League campaign unraveled at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam. The English striker's heated confrontation with his teammate laid bare deeper fractures within the Jeddah outfit, already reeling from a 3-1 deficit against Al-Qadsiah in the sixth round of fixtures.
The altercation erupted midway through the second half, with Toney and Abdulrahman squaring up as the ball went dead. Rather than de-escalate, both players continued their dispute even as they walked toward the touchline, forcing manager Marino Pusic to intervene and restore order. The Dutch tactician's presence was needed again—a clear signal that internal discipline had fractured at a critical moment in the match.
Defensive Collapse Compounds Squad Tensions
Al-Ahli's woes extended far beyond the sideline row. The Saudi side conceded three unanswered goals in the opening 45 minutes, surrendering control of the contest before Toney's on-pitch frustration bubbled over. This defensive fragility follows two losses in their first five league matches—a troubling record for a club accustomed to title contention.
The public nature of the Toney-Abdulrahman dispute signals deeper issues affecting squad cohesion. In Saudi football, where investment and star signings dominate headlines, maintaining morale and tactical discipline remains essential. Manager Pusic now faces the dual challenge of rebuilding defensive solidity while addressing the lack of professionalism that cost Al-Ahli dearly against Al-Qadsiah.
With their title aspirations already under pressure after six rounds, Al-Ahli must eliminate these internal distractions and refocus on the fundamentals that defined their previous campaigns in the Roshn League.
