Michail Antonio and Al Sailiya teammates hauled off pitch in scary scenes as emergency alert is issued
Michail Antonio’s new side had their latest match suspended after a National Emergency Alert was issued in Qatar.
Al Sailiya’s 3-2 home win against Al Shahaniya was paused due to warning sirens across Doha, with the players taken off the pitch.
It was one of three matches in the Qatar Stars League on Wednesday night to be paused.
Umm Salal vs Qatar SC and Al Gharafa vs Al Ahli were also suspended.
Al Sailiya had been leading 2-0 when their clash was stopped after 22 minutes.
Early goals from Diogo Amaro and Matias Nani put them in front, with Antonio named in the starting line-up.
Scary scenes
However, play was halted when residents received a National Emergency Alert at 9.51pm local time.
The message informed residents that the security threat level in the area had increased amid the ongoing conflict in the area.
They were told to remain indoors and away from windows and exposed areas.
The alert read: “The security threat level is elevated.
“Everyone is required to remain indoors, refrain from going out and stay away from windows and exposed areas, in order to ensure public safety.”
At 10.08pm, the Interior Ministry confirmed the threat had been eliminated.
A follow-up message informed residents that the situation had been returned to normal.
The message said: “The security threat has been eliminated and the situation has returned to normal.
“Everyone must comply with the instructions issued by the relevant authorities.”
The match between Al Sailiya and Al Shahaniya resumed moments later following a 19-minute delay.
Antonio, who recently told talkSPORT he is loving life in Qatar, had been making his second appearance since joining the club.
He signed as a free agent earlier this month having left West Ham United at the end of last season.
The 35-year-old made his debut last week in a 4-0 defeat against Al Duhail.
Wednesday’s narrow win over Al Shahaniya saw them leapfrog their opponents as they moved off the bottom of the table.
Al Sailiya were promoted back to the top-flight last season as second division champions.
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