'It’s clear what’s being influenced here' Ivan Toney hits out at Saudi Pro League referee and implies Cristiano Ronaldo's club are being favoured

Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney has let his feelings be known about the refereeing in his side's 1-1 draw with Al-Fayha on Wednesday night.

The result leaves third-placed Al-Ahli four points adrift of top-of-the-table Al-Nassr, who also have a game in hand with seven games left to play, compared with just six for Al-Ahli and second-placed Al-Hilal.

Toney strongly implied his belief that the league leaders are being favoured in the title race.

'It might get me into trouble but I'm a man that says it how it is'

The flashpoint came after Al-Ahli twice had penalty appeals for handball turned down, with the second coming in added time with the score level at 1-1 after Toney's first-half goal was cancelled out by Al-Fayha's Jason.

Al-Ahli protested the decision after VAR decided not to overturn the referee's original on-pitch decision, and the anger continued after the final whistle when Toney took to the mic.

As transcribed by Goal, Toney told Thmanyah after the game: "The big talking point was the two penalties. It's clear as day.

"I don't know what more you want him to do - pick the ball up with two hands, are you going to give a penalty then or not?

"And then we try to talk to the referee and he tries to tell us to focus on the AFC [Champions League].

"How can the referee say this? We're talking about now and he says focus on the AFC. If you want me to go deeper, I can go deeper. It might get me into trouble but I'm a man that says it how it is."

"Throughout the season it's a clear penalty, but now we get to crunch time, they change it. I don't know why.

"We know who [it benefits]. Who are we chasing?

"If decisions go our way we have a good chance, but if they continue like this it will be tough."

Toney then vented further on his Instagram stories, sharing clips of the incidents in question and added his further thoughts.

Toney wrote: "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.

"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]!!!!!"