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.

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.

The exciting Riyadh derby match between Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab, within the Roshan Professional League, witnessed dramatic moments in which the hero was defender Ali Al-Bulaihi, as he was overcome with a severe state of sadness and anger after scoring an own goal, which cast a shadow over the course of the match that was held at Al-Shabab Club’s stadium.

The cameras broadcasting the match captured an exciting reaction from Ali Al-Bulaihi, as he appeared in a state of clear displeasure and angry behavior that reflects the extent of the psychological pressure and his impact on the own goal that went into his team's net, in a scene that was widely circulated, highlighting the high competitive spirit and desire to win that the player possesses.

In terms of the match's outcome, the game ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, with both teams sharing possession and goals. Al-Hilal's goals came from Mohamed Kanno and an own goal by Ali Al-Bulaihi, while Al-Shabab's goals were scored by Josh Brownhill and veteran striker Abderrazak Hamdallah.

Matches between Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab hold immense importance in Saudi Arabian football, as this derby is considered one of the most prestigious rivalries in the history of Saudi football. Encounters between the two teams are always characterized by fierce competition, excitement, and unpredictable results right up to the final minutes, making any individual error, such as an own goal, a pivotal turning point that can significantly impact the course of the match and the reactions of fans both in the stands and watching on television.

This draw comes at a time when the Roshan Professional League is witnessing fierce competition among the top clubs, with each team striving to accumulate points to improve its position in the standings. Small details, such as defensive errors or the ability of strikers like Abderrazak Hamdallah to capitalize on opportunities, play a crucial role in determining the champions of this league, which has become a global attraction thanks to its draw of some of the world's biggest stars.

In conclusion, Ali Al-Bulaihi’s behavior and spontaneous reaction remain evidence of the magnitude of responsibility that players feel in such major matches, where the game is not limited to being 90 minutes, but is a football battle that requires the highest levels of mental and physical focus to avoid mistakes that could cost the team valuable points in the championship race.