Chinese referee Ma Ning recounts ‘harrowing’ trip to officiate match with Cristiano Ronaldo

Chinese referee Ma Ning shared details about his “harrowing” journey after officiating an AFC Champions League Elite fixture in Saudi Arabia on social media on Wednesday.

Amid escalating tensions in the region following a recent attack on Riyadh’s international airport, the six-member Chinese officiating crew led by Ma completed their match assignment despite severe travel disruptions and uncomfortable conditions in the host city.

The officials were in Riyadh for the AFC Champions League Elite...