Al Ahli’s Asian Champions League quarter-final win was marred by a sickening injury to a rival that sparked on-field chaos.
The Saudi side prevailed 2-1 over Malaysian outfit Johor Darul Ta’zim, who are managed by former Watford and Sheffield Wednesday boss Xisco Munoz, in Jeddah on Friday.
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Munoz’s side took a surprise lead in the 19th minute courtesy of Ali Majrashi’s own goal, but the contest tipped on its head nearly 20 minutes later.
Majrashi received a pass and flicked the ball up, prompting him to attempt an overhead kick.
Majrashi sees red over sickening head injury
However, the Al Ahli defender didn’t realise Johor’s Jairo Da Silva was rushing in to head the ball away.
Instead of connecting with the ball, Majrashi’s right boot collided with Jairo’s face.
The Brazilian was instantly knocked out and fell to the turf, prompting his teammates to immediately call for medical attention.
One Johor player then raced up to confront Majrashi and subsequently pushed him to the turf, which led to the Al Ahli man theatrically tumbling over.
Ivan Toney, who plays for Al Ahli, then approached the referee, who had just reached into his pocket to brandish a red card for Majrashi.
Toney continued to speak with the official, but attention soon shifted back towards Jairo as a stretcher had yet to emerge.
Such was the frustration among Johor’s players at the lack of urgency, skipper Natxo Insa snatched the assistant referee’s flag and furiously waved it in the direction of on-site medical staff.
The continued delay prompted Insa to bring the stretcher onto the field himself, although four medicos had just arrived and were ready to take Jairo away.
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Munoz provides injury update on Jairo
Jairo was subsequently rushed to a local hospital, where Munoz confirmed he was already on the mend.
“I want to say to the family of Jairo, everything is better in the hospital now,” Munoz said in his post-match press conference.
“It’s important to send a message about the positive things to his wife and everyone back in Johor.
“We are sad, but his health is the priority.”
Unfortunately for the visitors, they failed to take advantage of their extra man as Franck Kessie netted an equaliser in first-half stoppage time.
Galeno then scored what ultimately proved to be the winner in the 54th minute.
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Al Ahli’s win sealed them a spot in the semi-finals of the Asian Champions League Elite, where they will next face Japanese side Vissel Kobe.
The semi-final tie will be played at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium in Jeddah on April 20.
