Sardar Azmoun scored both goals in Shabab Al Ahli’s 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad, but his celebration in front of the home fans sparked controversy. Footage from the match showed Azmoun being targeted with a thrown bottle after celebrating toward the Al Ittihad supporters before becoming involved in an altercation with an opposing player. His Iranian teammate Saeid Ezatolahi immediately intervened to defend him.

The match was held on Tuesday, October 13, in the second round of the AFC Champions League Elite at Alinma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah. Azmoun scored in the seventh and 16th minutes, while Richard Rios pulled one back in the 66th minute. The victory took Shabab Al Ahli to six points, level at the top of the standings with Al Ain, Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and Iran’s Esteghlal.

Shabab Al Ahli will host Esteghlal in Dubai in the third round on Tuesday, October 27.