Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson’s Al Ettifaq lose in front of less than 700 fans
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson's Al Ettifaq suffered a humiliating 1-0 defeat to Al Riyadh in front of fewer than 700 supporters.
The loss meant the Saudi Pro League side endured back-to-back losses for the first time this campaign.
And to make matters worse, just 696 people were at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium to see it.
To put it into perspective, more supporters attended Clitheroe's 2-1 victory over Newcastle Town on Saturday (708) in the eighth tier of English football.
A total of 2,932 fans even turned out for Curzon Ashton's match with Hereford in the National League North, a division higher, over the weekend.
It is not the first time Al Ettifaq, who've had Jesse Lingard training with them, has been subject to low attendance.
Just 976 fans turned out for a 3-1 home win over Abha in September.
It certainly is a lot different for Jordan Henderson, who was previously used to playing in front of crowds numbering more than 50,000 as Liverpool captain.
The same can be said for midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum and former Celtic defender Jack Hendry.
Khalid Al-Shuwayyi netted the only goal of the game in the 16th minute, which proved to be the winner.
Gerrard's side sits seventh in the Saudi Pro League, nine points behind table-toppers Al-Hilal.
«We didn't show what was required of us,» the Liverpool legend said post-match.
«We weren't at the level we'd hope to be at. The opposition's plan was clear to frustrate and wait for the opportunities. The mistakes cost us today, we gifted three points to Al-Riyadh.»
Next up is Al-Wehda on Saturday followed by Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in the King Cup of Champions on Tuesday afternoon.
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