The AFC Champions League Elite fixture against Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana was postponed by about an hour after Saudi authorities issued an emergency warning shortly before kick-off.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr match against Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana was delayed on Monday after a security alert in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, prompted authorities to assess the situation.
The AFC Champions League Elite fixture was scheduled to take place at Al Awwal Park, but players and match officials had to wait after Saudi Arabia’s National Early Warning Platform issued a warning shortly before kick-off.
According to reports by the Associated Press and Spanish sports newspaper AS, the alert came approximately 15 minutes before the scheduled start, triggering precautionary measures at the stadium.
The match eventually proceeded after authorities indicated that the immediate danger had passed. The delay highlighted the security pressures facing the Saudi capital amid a series of reported missile attacks and disruptions in recent days.
Security Alert Interrupts Match Preparations
The warning disrupted preparations for the continental fixture, forcing the teams to wait while officials assessed the situation.
Reports said players and match officials remained in the tunnel as organisers awaited further guidance.
After the situation was reviewed, Ronaldo and his teammates returned to the pitch to resume their warm-up before the match began approximately an hour later than scheduled.
The Associated Press reported that Al Nassr led 2–0 at half-time, with Brazilian forward Angelo Gabriel opening the scoring and Ronaldo adding a second goal.
The resumption allowed the fixture to proceed, although the circumstances surrounding the delay raised questions about the security challenges confronting organisers of major sporting events during periods of heightened threat.
Riyadh Faces Repeated Missile Threats
The incident occurred against the backdrop of reported attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, including strikes and attempted strikes involving Riyadh and other locations.
Saudi authorities have reported missile interceptions, while explosions and disruptions to aviation operations have raised concerns about civilian safety and critical infrastructure.
On October 10, a missile attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300, according to Saudi authorities and international media reports. Subsequent reporting put the death toll at 13.
Another projectile reportedly struck an airport terminal on October 11, killing one person and injuring 11 others.
The attacks have disrupted aviation operations, with airlines cancelling services and authorities taking additional precautions. Reuters reported on Monday that Riyadh’s airport would remain closed until October 17 amid the continuing security situation.
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi targets. Details surrounding individual incidents and responsibility for specific strikes remain subject to official statements and independent reporting.
Security Concerns Extend To International Sport
The delay to Al Nassr’s match illustrates how security alerts can affect sporting events involving international teams and large crowds.
Stadium organisers must coordinate with security agencies and competition officials to assess threats, protect spectators and determine whether a fixture can safely proceed.
The decision to resume the match followed an assessment of the immediate situation. However, the wider security developments have continued to affect travel and public activities in Saudi Arabia.
For visiting teams, supporters and other travellers, the incidents underline the importance of following official safety instructions and checking travel updates during periods of heightened risk.
Although the Al Nassr fixture eventually got underway, the delay demonstrated how developments beyond the stadium can disrupt major sporting occasions at short notice.
