A player from Damac FC has reignited controversy in Saudi sports circles after his provocative celebration following a goal against Al-Fateh in the 24th round of the Saudi Professional League. The celebration was anything but ordinary; it was a clear message that brought back memories of the refereeing controversies surrounding the team's previous match against Al-Ahli.
After scoring against Al-Fateh, the player ran straight towards the camera and drew a rectangle in the air with his hands, a clear and direct gesture towards the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) screen. This action was immediately interpreted by fans and analysts as a silent and sarcastic protest against the decision to disallow his goal in the previous match against Al-Ahli, a decision that significantly impacted the outcome of the game and deprived Damac of at least a valuable point.
Background to the controversy: Al Ahly match and the VAR decision
The story stems from a heated match between Damac and Al-Ahli, which saw a Damac player score a goal that everyone believed was valid. However, the referee consulted VAR, which recommended disallowing the goal due to a foul. This decision angered Damac's players and fans, who felt their team had been subjected to clear refereeing injustice, especially since the match was evenly contested and the goal could have completely altered its course. Controversial refereeing decisions related to VAR are an integral part of modern football, not only in Saudi Arabia but worldwide, as some decisions remain subject to human judgment even with the advent of technology.
The importance of the incident and its expected impact
This incident is particularly significant for several reasons. Locally, it puts further pressure on the Saudi Arabian Football Federation's referees committee and reopens the debate surrounding the standard of refereeing and the use of VAR in the Roshan League, which has gained widespread international attention. Furthermore, the player's celebration could subject him to disciplinary action, according to regulations that prohibit publicly criticizing or mocking referee decisions.
On a broader scale, such incidents quickly spread across social media, highlighting the intense competitiveness and passion of the Saudi league. With Damac FC striving to improve their league position, every point and every refereeing decision carries significant weight in determining the team's fate at the end of the season, which explains the frustration that manifested as a symbolic protest during the Al-Fateh match.
