{"id":94274,"date":"2023-10-06T07:40:07","date_gmt":"2023-10-06T07:40:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stopsmokingway.com\/?p=94274"},"modified":"2023-10-06T07:40:07","modified_gmt":"2023-10-06T07:40:07","slug":"mahrez-says-he-hears-and-sees-saudi-fans-but-one-match-attendance-was-just-133","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stopsmokingway.com\/soccer\/mahrez-says-he-hears-and-sees-saudi-fans-but-one-match-attendance-was-just-133\/","title":{"rendered":"Mahrez says he ‘hears and sees’ Saudi fans but one match attendance was just 133"},"content":{"rendered":"
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    Riyad Mahrez has claimed he \u201chears and sees\u201d fans in Saudi Arabia despite the nation\u2019s low attendances for football matches.<\/p>\n

    Mahrez joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli from Manchester City in the summer for around \u00a330million. The Algerian winger\u2019s move came off the back of a historic Treble with City, playing in front of over 50,000 adoring fans at the Etihad on a weekly basis.<\/p>\n

    Now Saudi Arabia has announced its intention to bid to host the 2034 World Cup, having already been confirmed as hosts for the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup. And Mahrez voiced his full support for the Middle-Eastern nation\u2019s ambitions.<\/p>\n

    READ MORE: Neymar gobsmacked at 'impossible' standard of Iranian pitch for Asian Champions League game<\/b><\/p>\n

    READ MORE: Amnesty International pleads with Fury and Usyk to call out Saudi's human rights issues<\/b><\/p>\n

    He tweeted: \u201cHere we go…. Clearly in the right place, now and for the future. Amazing to see Saudi Arabia bid for the big one. I hear and see the fans. I feel the passion and love of the game. I hope the world gets to see it too.\u201d<\/p>\n

    But fans on social media were left doubting the 32-year-old\u2019s claims, having spotted thousands of empty seats across SPL matches this season, despite the fortune paid to bring star talents to the country. In fact, one fixture between Al-Riyadh and Al-Akhdoud on September 1 saw just 133 people turn up.<\/p>\n

    Do you want to attend a Saudi Pro League match? Let us know in the comments section below<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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    England midfielder Jordan Henderson had just 976 fans watch him play for Al-Ettifaq against Abha at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium. It came despite Henderson claiming his decision to flock to Saudi was not financially motivated. <\/p>\n

    Mahrez\u2019s Al-Ahli, who also boast talent such as Edouard Mendy, Franck Kessie, Allan Saint-Maximin and Roberto Firmino, are known for having the strongest following in Saudi.<\/p>\n

    The Jeddah-based club\u2019s stadium has a capacity of 62,000. However, their average attendance stands at 19,771 this season.<\/p>\n