Missile alert delays Cristiano Ronaldo match in Saudi Arabia

An Asian Champions League football match in Riyadh was delayed by an hour on Monday due to a security alert involving a Houthi missile attack. Al-Nassr went on to defeat Uzbekistan side Neftchi Fergana 3-1 at Al-Awwal Park after the delayed kick-off. According to The Guardian, the Saudi-led military coalition stated that it had intercepted a missile fired towards the capital by the Houthis. [1][2][4]

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his team's second goal during the victory. Euronews, The Guardian and Al Jazeera all reported that Ronaldo draped a scarf bearing the Saudi flag around his shoulders and applauded supporters after the match. Euronews added that he also kissed the Saudi national emblem before the game began, while other footballers likewise demonstrated support for Saudi Arabia. [1][2][4]

Euronews reported that deadly attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi group have forced the closure of Riyadh airport amid renewed fighting in Yemen. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Saudi Arabia suspended civil aviation operations at King Khalid International Airport following consecutive missile strikes over the weekend. Australia's Smartraveller service subsequently warned citizens against travelling through the facility. [1][2][15][16]

The AFC Champions League Elite is the top continental club competition organised by the Asian Football Confederation. The recent security threats in Saudi Arabia have raised broader concerns regarding upcoming sporting events in the region. ESPN reported that the attacks have sparked fresh concerns over the Asian Cup, while Sportstar reported that Australia is closely monitoring the situation. [6][10][11]