Al Wasl banner praising UAE President triggers Saudi backlash

DUBAI, April 21 (YPA) – A large banner displayed by fans of Al Wasl FC has sparked widespread backlash in Saudi Arabia after it included a phrase describing Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as “the leader of the world.”

The incident occurred during an AFC Champions League 2 quarter-final match at Zabeel Stadium in Dubai, where supporters unveiled a large image of the UAE president accompanied by slogans seen by critics as politically charged. Fans also displayed the country code “+971,” a symbol frequently used in online exchanges between Emirati and Saudi users.

Saudi commentators on social media argued that the display violated FIFA regulations prohibiting political messaging in stadiums, triggering a wave of criticism directed at Al Wasl supporters.

The reaction extended to Al-Nassr FC, which responded with a series of sarcastic posts following its victory in the match, further fueling the online dispute.

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