Saudi Pro League in new embarrassment as stadium left simply 2% full for match

The Saudi Pro League‘s embarrassing attendances dropped to a brand new low as simply 2% of a stadium was stuffed for a match.

An inflow of prime expertise has helped enhance soccer within the Middle Eastern nation. But outdoors of the highest golf equipment, crowds have remained low at most grounds.

Cristiano Ronaldo, their crown jewel signing final yr, was seen cupping his ears in celebration earlier this week as Al-Nassr confronted fellow Saudi facet Al Fahya within the AFC Champions League – to a stadium which was solely at 6% capability.

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo cups ears to empty Saudi Pro League stadium that is simply 6% full

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And simply when it appeared prefer it could not get any worse than that, the league fixture between Abha and Al-Taawoun on Thursday (February 15) had the indignity of being simply 2% full.

Kicking off at 5pm native time on the 25k-seater Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Sports City Stadium, solely 505 followers turned up. And they weren’t rewarded with a thriller.

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Abha appeared to have gained it on dwelling soil when Waleed Al Ahmad scored an personal aim within the 93rd minute. But Aschraf El Mahdioui scored an equaliser within the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time.

It subsequently completed honours even. Hosts Abha sit second backside within the 18-team prime flight after 20 video games performed.

Nemanja Matic’s brother Uros began in midfield for them with former Fiorentina, Lyon and AC Milan goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusana in internet. Ex-PSG and West Brom midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak got here off the bench.

Taawoun, in the meantime, are difficult for one of many top-three Champions League locations in fourth. But additionally they lack any main stars of their squad to assist appeal to extra supporters.

Abha have the third-lowest common attendance within the Pro League, in keeping with transfermarkt, with simply 2,339 per sport. That’s lower than all however one facet within the EFL, that membership being Forest Green Rovers.

Only 4 Saudi sides – the PIF-owned Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal – have a five-figure common attendance. Overall, the league’s common is 8,275 up to now this season.