Furious Ivan Toney makes damning claims about refereeing in X-rated rant after controversial moment in title race

Ivan Toney has blasted VAR and the referee after Al Ahli suffered a major setback in the Saudi Pro League title race.

His side were held away at Al Fayha on Wednesday night in a controversial 1-1 draw.

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Despite Toney opening the scoring in the first half, Al Ahli were pegged back after the interval.

The visitors were unable to find a winner before the final whistle on a frustrating evening for Toney and his team-mates.

However, their frustrations were exacerbated by a string of controversial decisions during the match.

The Al Ahli players saw multiple penalty claims waved away even after being checked by VAR.

Toney’s X-rated rant

Toney shared footage of the incidents to his Instagram story following the draw as he unleashed an X-rated rant at the officials.

In the first clip, the striker appears to be pushed by an opponent as he jumps for a header inside the box.

Alongside the video, he wrote: “No penalty they say,” with crying laughing emojis.

A second clip followed of an Al Ahli shot being blocked by Al Fayha’s Chris Smalling, with the ball hitting his hands.

Toney added: “Again no penalty…” which he also wrote next to the third and final clip.

On that occasion, Al Ahli were again denied a penalty after another handball incident in the eighth minute of stoppage-time.

Saudi Pro League

As well as sharing videos of the incident, Toney added a further post implying the integrity of the officiating was affected by ‘influences’.

Toney also claimed he and his teammates were told by the referee to not focus on their title challenge.

He said: “Two of these actions went to VAR and one didn’t. It’s actually crazy how you can miss things like this in crucial moments or choose to turn a blind eye.

“And without saying too much that may get me in trouble, it’s clear what’s being influenced here!!!

“Also with the referee telling us to concentrate on a different competition whilst VAR is going on is beyond me.

“And to add with the referee agreeing that the first one was a penalty in the 90+ minute like that’s going to help. But listen I guess I’m probably the bad guy for speaking some truths and pointing out questionable decisions or s*** refereeing.”

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Toney added: “Next time if needed I can bring someone from my area that doesn’t have a clue about football to do a MUCH better job than some of these (clown emoji)!!!!!”

Saudi Pro League title race

The draw saw Al Ahli miss the chance to cut the gap on Saudi Pro League leaders Al Nassr to two points.

Instead, they sit four points adrift in third having played a game more.

It provides a boost to Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of winning a first league title since joining Al Nassr in 2023.

However, Toney has maintained his lead in the race for the Golden Boot after scoring for a sixth league match in a row.

The England forward now has 27 goals in as many appearances this season.

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He sits one goal clear of nearest challenger Julian Quinones and four ahead of Ronaldo in the scoring charts.

Ronaldo is aiming to become the first European to finish as Saudi Pro League top scorer in three consecutive campaigns.