Saudi Pro League in Hot Water: Al Nassr Files Formal Complaint Over TV Show Targeting Nawaf Al-Aqaydi
17 January 2026
What happened
Al Nassr has filed a formal complaint against a sports program, accusing the show’s hosts and guests of insulting goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqaydi, according to reports.
Sports journalist Ali Al-Anzi tweeted that the club submitted the grievance because of disparaging remarks directed at Al-Aqaydi.
The backlash came after the 3-1 defeat to Al Hilal on Monday at the Kingdom Arena, in the 15th round of the Saudi Pro League.
The criticism intensified following a red card shown to Al-Aqaydi about half an hour before full time, allegedly for striking Portuguese Ruben Neves, a midfielder for Al Hilal, after the opening goal by the “Leader.”
Aftermath and context
This was the keeper’s second notable error in recent weeks, having contributed to the concession of the opening goal in a 1-2 loss to Al Qadisiyah in round 14 of the league.
It is noted that Al-Aqaydi was suspended for two matches and fined 20,000 riyals due to the red card in the Al Hilal game.
Caption: Nawaf Al-Aqaydi during a Saudi Pro League clash between Al Nassr and Al Hilal.
Humor note: if headlines were a sport, this one would be in the top five headlines—and no VAR needed to verify the drama.
Punchline 1: You can’t spell “controversy” without “con”—congrats to the rumor mill for selling out this season faster than tickets at kickoff.
Punchline 2: In football, the only thing sharper than a striker’s shot might be a journalist’s imagination—watch out, the rumor sails faster than the ball.
