The summit match between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, known as the “Saudi Clasico,” within the competitions of the twenty-third round of the Roshan Professional League, sparked widespread refereeing controversy, the events of which centered around the demand of Al-Ittihad striker, Moroccan international Youssef En-Nesyri, for a penalty kick after a collision with Al-Hilal defender Hassan Tambakti inside the penalty area.
Amidst the heated debates between the two clubs' fans and sports analysts, refereeing expert Mahmoud Al-Banna offered his opinion to put an end to the speculation. In exclusive statements to Al-Midan, Al-Banna confirmed that the referee's decision not to award a penalty was correct. He explained, "Youssef En-Nesyri did not deserve a penalty for Al-Ittihad. The contact from Hassan Tambakti was natural, and the Al-Ittihad player did not warrant a penalty ." With this expert opinion, Al-Banna concluded that the contact between the players did not constitute a foul warranting punishment.
General context and importance of the match
Matches between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad hold special significance due to their long history of intense rivalry for domestic and continental titles. This encounter comes during an exceptional Saudi League season, which has attracted a host of international football stars, intensifying the competition and placing refereeing decisions under greater scrutiny than ever before. The match, held at the Kingdom Arena, was more than just a three-point battle; it was a tactical and psychological contest that directly impacted the title race, as each team sought to solidify its position at the top of the standings.
The result's impact on the title race
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that directly impacted the Roshan League standings. While Al-Hilal maintained their unbeaten record, dropping two points at this crucial juncture opened the door for their direct rival, Al-Nassr, to close the gap or even temporarily claim the top spot. Refereeing decisions in such decisive matches, like the penalty awarded to En-Nesyri, carry significant weight, as a single decision can alter the course of the game and, consequently, the entire league table, fueling fan and media discussions for days after the final whistle.
