Awkward moment five-time Premier League title winner refuses to let Ivan Toney take penalty… before fluffing spot kick

IVAN TONEY was denied the chance to open his Al-Ahli account by one of his own team-mates on Monday.

The forward missed out on the chance to take a penalty in his new club’s AFC Champions League clash with Persepolis.

Al-Ahli hosted the Iranian side in Jeddah in the league stage of the continental competition.

During the second half, the hosts were awarded a penalty, but Toney was snubbed in favour of Riyad Mahrez to take it.

But the ex-Man City star, a five-time Premier League champion, was denied by Persepolis goalkeeper Alexus Guendouz who dived to his left to save the spot-kick.

Fans were left shocked by the decision not to let Toney take it, with one writing on social media: “Imagine not letting Ivan take it. Oh dear.”

Another added: “You pay £40m for one of the best pen takers in the world and you’re not letting him take it.”

A third fan also commented: “You’ve got the best penalty taker in the world… Nah mate I’ve got this.”

Toney has scored 30 penalties during his career and missed just two.

He also found the net for England in their Euro 2024 quarter-final shootout victory over Switzerland back in July.

Meanwhile, Mahrez has missed 11 penalties, but had scored four from four for Al-Ahli before last night’s miss.

Fortunately for the Algerian, though, Al-Ahli went on to win the match 1-0 thanks to Franck Kessie’s second minute strike, assisted by Mahrez.

Toney is still waiting to score his first goal for Al-Ahli after joining from Brentford for £40million.

He signed a four-year deal through to 2028 worth £403,000-per-week to make him one of England’s highest paid players.

The 28-year-old made his Saudi Pro League debut in a 1-1 draw with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr on Friday.

His next chance to open his account will come against Damac this weekend.