Saudi Super Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo pulls in fans for final in Hong Kong
Larger number of fans attached to Saudi clubs this time at Hong Kong Stadium, but no doubting who the most popular attraction is
Thousands of fans descended on Hong Kong Stadium to watch Cristiano Ronaldo play in the final of the Saudi Super Cup on Saturday.
Even if the supercharged atmosphere that followed the footballing superstar to the arena earlier this week was somewhat reduced for the final, hundreds of fans had already arrived at the stadium in Causeway Bay two hours before Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr kicked off against Al-Ahli.
And while the black clouds that prompted the No 1 typhoon signal threatened to put a dampener on proceedings, the number of those specifically supporting Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Saudi Arabian football in general had grown.
“I like both clubs, but my wife supports Ahli. I’m just here to show support for Saudi football,” 58-year-old Salim Alsiari said. “We were also here for the Al-Ahli game against Qadsiah.”
Throughout the week, the four Saudi clubs playing in Hong Kong had been cheered on by their official fan groups, who made friends among locals by handing out free club scarves before games.
Their presence was felt even more when they took to the stands, beating drums and singing their club songs.