Al Ahli Saudi FC’s Ali Majrashi was shown a straight red card after accidentally knocking out Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Brazilian midfielder Jairo da Silva with a bicycle kick during their AFC Champions League Elite quarterfinal clash on April 17, 2026.
The incident occurred in the midfield when Majrashi attempted a bicycle kick to connect with the ball. Instead of striking the ball, his foot made direct contact with Jairo’s face, leaving the Johor player unconscious on the pitch. Medical staff immediately attended to Jairo, who was subsequently stretchered off the field with his face covered.
Match officials wasted no time in sanctioning Majrashi, issuing him a direct red card for the dangerous play. The dismissal left Al Ahli to play the remainder of the match with ten men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Al Ahli managed to secure a 2-1 victory over Johor DT, advancing to the semifinals of the AFC Champions League Elite. The win came after a tense second half where both teams pushed for goals amid heightened emotions following the shocking incident.
The fallout continued after the final whistle when Johor DT’s captain, Natxo Insa, reacted violently to seeing his teammate carried off. Insa was observed kicking members of the stadium staff and attempting to take control of a medical stretcher, actions that drew further condemnation from players on both sides and stadium personnel.
Videos of the incident circulated widely on social media, showing the moment of impact and the immediate aftermath as players from both teams surrounded the injured Jairo. The footage confirmed that Jairo did not have time to brace himself or put his hands up to protect his face before the strike landed.
Al Ahli’s progression to the semifinal stage sets up a crucial next step in their continental campaign, though they will do so without the services of Majrashi for at least their next match due to the red card suspension.
The AFC Champions League Elite, Asia’s premier club competition, has seen its share of dramatic moments, but few have involved such a severe and unintended consequence from a routine attempt at a bicycle kick—a skill move typically associated with flair and creativity rather than violence.
As of the time of this report, neither club has released an official statement regarding Jairo’s condition beyond confirming his removal from the field via stretcher. Updates on his health status are expected in the coming hours.
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