Darwin Nunez had to be restrained by Al Diraiyah staff after a fiery Saudi Pro League defeat to Al Qadsiah
Darwin Nunez of Al Diraiyah and Nacho Fernandez of Al Qadsiah.(Image: Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)
Darwin Nunez had to be restrained by Al Diraiyah personnel following a heated encounter against Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League, which his side lost 2-0. The Uruguay international had to be guided towards the tunnel as he gestured towards opposition players after seemingly being antagonised.
The former Liverpool forward came unstuck after netting twice since joining Al Diraiyah on loan from Al Hilal, where he had been sidelined. And with his team unable to get on the scoreboard on this occasion, Nunez was visibly angry at the final whistle as team-mate Oscar Rodriguez received a red card deep into added time.
Earlier in the match, Nunez believed he had earned a spot-kick, only for VAR to reverse the decision. Al Qadsiah’s victory kept them level with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr and just three points behind early pace-setters Al Hilal.
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Despite his latest frustration, Nunez has been happy to have departed Al-Hilal after being unable to be registered for the latter part of last season. The forward has been outspoken about the difficulties he suffered during that period.
“The [last] six months I spent at Al-Hilal were very difficult for me and my family, because I could no longer play matches,” the 27-year-old said last week. “Honestly, I would never want anyone to go through an experience like mine, because ultimately, all of us footballers want to compete, play, and enjoy doing what we do.
“I’ve moved past that difficult period now and feel good here. I got through that difficult time thanks to my family, who were always there supporting me every step of the way.
“Every day at work, I tried to go in happy and give my best, even though I couldn’t compete, and just try to help the team.”
Nunez left Liverpool in the summer of 2025 for a fee of around $63 million (£47 million). During this summer’s transfer window, he was linked with Trabzonspor and several other Turkish clubs before opting to remain in the Middle East.
Darwin Nunez now plays for Al Diraiyah(Image: Abdullah Ahmed, Getty Images)
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“Today I’m here, happy to be competing again and to be scoring once more,” he said after scoring twice against Al Ettifaq, the club that Steven Gerrard managed for a period.
“I would have been happy with one goal, but I’m overjoyed with the two.
“I want to congratulate the team for their effort, especially given the heat, which makes playing a bit tough. Thanks to my family, my wife and children, who were always by my side and didn’t let me lose heart during that time.”
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