Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney found himself at the center of a strange incident during Monday’s Saudi Pro League match against Damac, an altercation that involved an opposing player attempting to kiss him. Following the bizarre exchange, Toney took to social media with a blunt assessment, stating he had “never smelt breath so bad.” The incident occurred after a late Damac goal was disallowed by the video assistant referee, adding fuel to the already tense match atmosphere.
The 29-year-classic played the full 90 minutes as Al-Ahli secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Franck Kessié. However, it was the post-match interaction with Damac defender Jamal Harkass that quickly went viral. Harkass repeatedly motioned towards Toney as if to kiss him, even briefly pressing his forehead against the striker’s, sparking a reaction that Toney clearly wasn’t impressed by.
Toney’s response on X, accompanied by a vomiting emoji, quickly gained traction online. The incident highlights the growing intensity and occasional unusual moments within the Saudi Pro League, which has attracted a number of high-profile players in recent seasons. The league is currently seeing increased global attention, with players like Cristiano Ronaldo too competing in the competition.
The former Brentford talisman has been in excellent form since his move to the Saudi Pro League, scoring 22 goals in 23 appearances as of February 24, 2026. This impressive goal-scoring record has even led to speculation about a potential surprise inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for this summer’s World Cup.
Incident Details: A Heated Exchange After VAR Decision
The confrontation unfolded after Damac believed they had equalized late in the game, only for the goal to be overturned following a VAR review. Frustration boiled over, leading to Harkass’s unusual approach towards Toney. Reports indicate that Toney celebrated in Harkass’s face, prompting the Damac defender’s reaction. The images of the pair locked in the strange embrace quickly circulated online, prompting widespread discussion and amusement.
According to Goal.com, tensions were already high following a tight affair decided by Kessié’s goal in the 37th minute. The match also saw earlier goals disallowed for both sides, adding to the dramatic nature of the contest.
Toney’s Form and England Prospects
Toney’s prolific scoring form in the Saudi Pro League has undoubtedly boosted his chances of a return to the England national team. He has consistently found the back of the net, demonstrating his ability to adapt to a new league and maintain a high level of performance. While a call-up to Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup remains uncertain, Toney’s performances are certainly making a strong case for his inclusion.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo remains a key figure in the league, currently sitting third in the scoring charts with 20 goals in 20 games. Al-Ahli’s win has pushed them one point clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League table, ahead of Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, while Damac remains in the relegation zone.
The Saudi Pro League continues to evolve, attracting international attention and providing a platform for players like Ivan Toney to showcase their talents. The league’s growing competitiveness and occasional moments of bizarre drama, like the incident with Jamal Harkass, are contributing to its increasing profile on the global stage.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Toney’s continued performance and whether he can maintain his impressive goal-scoring record. The question remains whether his form will be enough to earn him a place in the England squad for the upcoming World Cup, and how the Saudi Pro League will continue to develop as a destination for top footballing talent.
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