Even in the closing stages of the Saudi Pro League, Al Nassr can’t seem to catch a break. Last night, Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. failed to clinch three points as they played a disappointing 2-2 draw against Al Riyadh. But the highlight of the match remains the red card issued to star player Aymeric Laporte for punching a rival player. That, unfortunately, only adds to the woes of the Knights of the Najd, as reports suggest Laporte will face a two-match suspension.

Khaled Al-Taris, the referee who officiated last night’s match, didn’t think twice to send off the former Manchester City star. He deemed the act disgraceful and unnecessary. In fact, according to @X99i3 on X, Laporte could miss the final league clash against Al Ittihad and even the King Cup of Champions final against Al Hilal. Notably, the incident came in the 63rd minute, when Al Nassr was 2-1 down. 

Luis Castro’s side opened the scoring thanks to Otavio but Al Riyadh shocked the visitors as Andre Gray equalized. Interestingly, just before halftime, the home side took the lead with Mohammed Al Aqel’s strike. Then as the second half opened up, Laporte was behind Al Aqel but while holding the attacker, he deliberately punched him. All hope was lost as Al Nassr was desperate to get an equalizer, but substitute Meshari Al-Nemer saved his side from being defeated. 

Nevertheless, if Laporte is banned for the remaining two matches of the season, then Al Nassr is in for a huge blow. Notably, this isn’t the first time his antics have cost his side. The Spaniard was sent off against Al Ain in the opening leg of the AFC Champions League, causing him to miss the return leg. Certainly, Castro wasn’t impressed then, and he isn’t now.

Luis Castro slams Aymeric Laporte’s ‘wrong move’ as Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. didn’t take ‘advantage’ against Al Riyadh

During the post-match presser, Luis Castro was asked to comment on the challenge Aymeric Laporte made. As expected, the Portuguese tactician wasn’t impressed with the former Athletic Bilbao man. “Laporte’s move was wrong and harmed the team, and we hope that the expulsion will not affect him in the King’s Cup final,” he said.

Castro also questioned his side’s performance against Al Riyadh. He had confidence that the match could have easily ended with a victory. “We missed a lot of opportunities that we did not take advantage of,” he added. Even regular scorer Cristiano Ronaldo not only failed to get his name on the scoresheet but also failed to break the Saudi League record.

Perhaps the final two fixtures will see Al Nassr churn out positive results. But for now, only time will tell if Aymeric Laporte’s challenge will cost his side.