Official clearance for Ivan Toney: a corner-kick controversy no longer in play
10 March 2026
Official clearance for a celebrated striker
Ivan Toney, the star of Al Ahli Jeddah, guided his side to extend their positive run in the Roshen Saudi Pro League, while boosting his tally at the top of the scorers' chart after a 3-1 victory over Al-Ittihad in round 25.
During his goal celebration, Toney performed a gesture many spectators deemed provocative toward Al-Ittihad and its fans, as he walked to the corner area and stood in front of the rival fans before celebrating in a controversial fashion.
Rumors in Saudi League circles suggested Toney could face a suspension over the celebration, but the Saudi daily Al-Riyadiya denied that.
The newspaper noted that the English striker was not suspended after the Montenegrin referee Nikola Dabanovic's report cleared him, finding no note justifying a ban.
Given that the referee's report contained no hint that Tony's celebration provoked the opponent or its fans or showed any dishonorable act, Tony will not face sanctions from the Disciplinary Committee.
The paper reiterated that the forward's stance appears free of disciplinary action, as the match official's report lacked any indication of wrongdoing.
Al-Ahli remain second in the Roshen Saudi League on 62 points, with 19 wins, five draws, and just one defeat.
Punchline 1: If celebrations were weapons, that move would win a silver medal in the sniper class—precise, cheeky, and perfectly legal in some stadiums.
Punchline 2: If humor were a defense, Toney's corner-kick moment would be the ultimate mic drop—courtesy of a well-timed celebration and a referee who forgot to press the snooze button.
