In one of the most controversial moments during the 21st round summit of the Saudi Professional League, the well-known Jordanian refereeing expert, Ahmed Abu Khadija, settled the debate surrounding Al-Ittihad Club’s right to a penalty kick against its traditional rival Al-Nasr, in the match that was held at “Al-Awwal Park” stadium and ended in a goalless draw.
In his technical analysis of the incident, Abu Khadija confirmed that the referee's decision to allow play to continue was entirely correct, supported by modern football laws. In an exclusive statement to Al-Midan Al-Riyadi, he explained: "The referee's decision not to award a penalty to Al-Ittihad was correct. The ball struck the leg before touching his hand, therefore the referee's decision to allow play to continue was sound." This controversial incident occurred when the ball struck the hand of an Al-Nassr defender inside the penalty area, prompting strong demands from Al-Ittihad players and their fans for a penalty kick that could have changed the course of the match.
The general context of the match and its importance
The matches between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr, known as the "Saudi Clasico," hold a special significance that transcends the mere three points at stake. They represent a historic rivalry between two of the biggest names in Saudi football, always characterized by intense competition, excitement, and massive fan attendance. This particular match comes amidst fierce competition in the Roshan League, where both teams are striving to improve their standings. Al-Nassr is chasing the league leaders, while Al-Ittihad, the defending champions, are attempting a strong comeback. Every refereeing decision in such matches is under intense scrutiny and subject to extensive analysis by the media, pundits, and fans alike.
Expected impact and importance of arbitration decisions
Domestically, every refereeing decision directly impacts the match result and, consequently, the entire league standings. Had the penalty been awarded and converted, it could have secured Al-Ittihad a valuable victory, boosting their morale and bringing them closer to the top teams, while simultaneously dealing a blow to Al-Nassr's title aspirations. Internationally, the Saudi Professional League has gained unprecedented global media attention after attracting top stars, placing significant pressure on Saudi referees to prove their competence and ability to manage matches of this magnitude. Accurate and correct decisions, like those highlighted by expert Abu Khadija, enhance the league's image and professionalism on the world stage, while incorrect decisions spark controversy that can extend to international media, damaging the competition's reputation.
