Jordanian refereeing expert Ahmed Abu Khadija has settled the widespread controversy surrounding the penalty awarded to Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Al-Nassr FC, during a crucial match in the Saudi Professional League. In exclusive statements, Abu Khadija confirmed that the referee's decision was correct and in accordance with the laws of the game, providing a detailed technical analysis of the incident that sparked extensive debate among fans and analysts.
The controversial incident occurred during the Riyadh derby between Al-Nassr and Al-Shabab, when Cristiano Ronaldo rose to meet a cross and headed it, only for it to strike the hand of an opposing defender inside the penalty area. After a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty to Al-Nassr. Abu Khadija explained, “The penalty decision was correct, as the defender’s hand was in an unnatural position, which increased the size of his body and prevented the ball from reaching the goal or a teammate. According to the recent amendments to the Laws of the Game, such cases, which fall under the category of negligence or recklessness, warrant a penalty kick, and VAR reinforced the validity of the decision.”.
General context and importance of the event
This controversy arises in the context of an exceptional Saudi League season, which has garnered global attention following the arrival of a constellation of international stars, most notably Cristiano Ronaldo, in late 2022. This global presence has placed Saudi referees under immense pressure and intense scrutiny, with every refereeing decision, especially in major matches involving Ronaldo, being widely analyzed across international media outlets and social media platforms. Such decisions are doubly significant as they can directly impact the course of the fierce competition for the Roshan League title, currently considered one of the strongest leagues in Asia.
Expected impact on the sports scene
Locally, such refereeing decisions contribute to increased competitiveness and fan engagement, fueling sports discussions on television programs and in newspapers. Regionally and internationally, they highlight the level of refereeing in the Saudi League and its ability to handle high-pressure, high-stakes matches. They also underscore the importance of the accurate and effective use of VAR technology to ensure fairness and minimize impactful errors. Experts' resolution of such controversial cases helps educate the public on the precise laws of football and enhances the credibility of refereeing decisions, which is essential for establishing the Saudi League as a global destination for top football stars.
