Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League clash against Neftchi experienced a significant delay due to a sudden security alert in Riyadh, which arose minutes before the scheduled kickoff. The match, originally set to begin in the evening, was postponed by an hour after explosions and fires were reported across the city, forcing organizers to hold players and officials in the stadium tunnel while assessing the threat.
The disruption unfolded just 15 minutes prior to the match start, when local authorities issued an emergency warning through Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense. The official alert, broadcast at 8:00 p.m. local time, cautioned residents about a potential danger in Riyadh and urged vigilance and shelter if needed. This message coincided with the match preparations at Al-Awwal Park, where both teams and referees stood ready to enter the pitch.
Security Concerns Overshadow Sporting Event
Reports from local media detailed that explosions echoed throughout Riyadh during the pre-match period, prompting a lockdown of players and match officials inside the stadium tunnel. The safety protocols extended to the limited number of spectators awaiting the kickoff, as the situation was monitored closely by competition authorities.
The unsettling incident occurred amid wider security tensions, including a missile attack targeting King Khalid International Airport, which heightened concerns across the capital. Despite the initial uncertainty, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) ultimately confirmed that the match would commence one hour later than planned, allowing the game to proceed under reinforced security measures.