Jordanian refereeing expert, Ahmed Abu Khadija, settled the widespread controversy that accompanied the fiery encounter between Al-Hilal and the team of Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah, specifically regarding the incident in which the latter demanded a penalty kick in his favor, within the competitions of the twenty-fourth round of the Saudi Professional League.

The legal opinion on Hamdallah's incident

In an exclusive interview with Al-Midan Al-Riyadi, Abu Khadija explained the technical details of the refereeing decision that sparked the Moroccan striker's protest. The refereeing expert stated, "Abderrazak Hamdallah did not deserve a penalty kick in this instance. Replays and careful observation clearly showed that the contact was perfectly normal and within the context of legitimate competition for the ball. Therefore, the referee's decision to allow play to continue was absolutely correct.".

Context of the match and the heavy score

This controversial incident occurred at a time when the match result showed Al-Hilal in a resounding 5-2 victory, reflecting the formidable attacking prowess of "The Boss" in this exceptional season. Abderrazak Hamdallah had vehemently protested during the match the referee's decision not to award a foul, seemingly in an attempt to reduce the deficit for his team given the large margin of victory.

The importance of refereeing in the Roshan Professional League

Refereeing decisions in the Saudi Professional League (SPL) are of paramount importance due to the competition's rapid development and global reach. With Saudi clubs boasting a host of world-class players, every refereeing decision is under intense scrutiny, placing referees under immense pressure to ensure fairness and precise application of the rules. Clashes within the penalty area are among the most complex situations, where a fine line separates legitimate physical competition from punishable offenses.

Impact of the result on the competition

Al-Hilal's 5-2 victory in this crucial round (Round 24) reflects the Blue team's determination to maintain their domestic dominance and continue their march towards the title. Meanwhile, Abderrazak Hamdallah remains one of the most prominent strikers in the history of the Saudi League, and his movements inside the penalty area are always a source of trouble for defenders, leading to controversial situations that require the intervention of refereeing experts to clarify the situation for the fans.

It is worth noting that such refereeing analyses contribute significantly to calming the sports scene and clarifying the legal facts away from emotions, especially in major public matches that bring together the giants of Saudi football.

Sports press reports revealed on Friday evening the behind-the-scenes details and real motives that prompted the technical staff of Al-Nasr Club to exclude the young Brazilian star Angelo Gabriel from the official squad list that will play against Al-Fayha in the anticipated match, as part of the twenty-fourth round of the Saudi Professional League.

Technical and organizational reasons behind Jesus' decision

According to sources close to Al-Nassr, the decision to exclude the player was not due to any sudden injury as some have suggested, but rather was based on a purely technical vision from the Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, which rested on two main pillars:

• The quota of foreign players is full: The primary reason is the regulations governing the Saudi League, which impose a specific limit on the number of foreign players allowed in each matchday squad. With most of Al-Nassr's foreign players available, the coaching staff found themselves forced to sacrifice one of the players to comply with the legally permitted number on the match sheet.
• Rest and rotation: The second reason is coach Jesus’s desire to implement a rotation policy among the players, as he preferred to give Angelo a rest to avoid physical exhaustion, especially in light of the succession of matches and the pressure of the schedule, in order to ensure his maximum readiness for the upcoming crucial matches and encounters.

Challenges facing the foreign players list in the Roshan League

This decision highlights the significant challenge facing major Saudi Arabian clubs this season: an "overabundance of stars." With the influx of international names and promising young talents like Angelo, selecting the final matchday squad has become a tactical headache for coaches. This dilemma reflects the rising competitiveness of the Saudi league, where big-name players are forced to sit out not due to poor form, but due to tactical considerations and regulations, demonstrating the depth of Al-Nassr's squad.

The importance of facing Al-Fayha and the points calculations

The Al-Nassr vs. Al-Fayha match takes on special significance as Al-Nassr seeks to continue its winning streak and compete strongly for the top spot in the standings. The team will be a formidable opponent at Al-Majma'ah Sports City Stadium on Saturday evening, in a match where a draw is not an option for Al-Nassr fans. Matches between Al-Nassr and Al-Fayha are always known for their competitiveness and excitement, especially when played on Al-Fayha's home ground.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 10:00 PM Mecca time, promising fans a thrilling football spectacle. The game will be broadcast exclusively on "Channel Eight," the official broadcaster of the league this season, and will also be available to watch via the channel's official app, ensuring extensive coverage of this important football event.

Veteran defender Ali Al-Bulaihi, recently signed by Al-Shabab, stole the show early and dramatically during his team's highly anticipated match against his former club, Al-Hilal, in the 24th round of the Saudi Professional League. Al-Bulaihi delivered a dramatic first half-hour that captivated fans in the stands and those watching on television, creating the highlight of the round.

A noisy start and a clash with yesterday's comrades

The match was more than just an ordinary 90 minutes for the 36-year-old defender; it carried a special emotional and competitive dimension. After joining Al-Shabab on loan from Al-Hilal at the beginning of February, Al-Bulaihi found himself facing the club he had defended for over nine years, during which he won numerous local and continental titles and whose name was linked to the "Leader's" stronghold with a contract extending until the end of 2025. However, emotions faded as soon as the opening whistle blew, as in the eighth minute the player became embroiled in a heated argument and physical confrontation with his former teammate, Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo, in a scene that required the referee's swift intervention to restore calm and control to the tense derby atmosphere.

A dramatic scenario and a friendly fire incident

The drama and misfortune continued to plague Al-Bulaihi in his first appearance against his former team. In the 31st minute, he suffered a devastating blow when he scored an own goal against his current team, Al-Shabab. The ball deflected off him, changing direction and deceiving goalkeeper Grohe into the net, giving Al-Hilal a temporary advantage at a crucial moment. This own goal ignited social media and served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where only effort on the pitch matters, regardless of past affiliations.

A fiery first half that reflects the strength of the Saudi league

The match was played at a high technical level, reflecting the significant development of the Saudi Professional League and the fierce competition between the Riyadh giants. The first half ended with Al-Hilal leading 3-2 in a dramatic fashion. Al-Shabab opened the scoring through Brownhill, but Mohammed Kanno quickly equalized for Al-Hilal. After an own goal by Al-Bulaihi, Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah leveled the score for Al-Shabab just a minute before halftime. However, Senegalese defender Kalidou Coulibaly ensured Al-Hilal maintained their lead at the break, scoring their third goal in the dying moments.

This encounter is further proof of the high market and technical value of the Riyadh derby, as the eyes of Arab and international football fans turn to follow these summits that bring together an elite group of world stars, and confirms the prestigious position that the Saudi League has reached as one of the strongest leagues in the region.