Late VAR Verdict Ends Controversy: Al-Ittihad Edge Taawon After Debated Taawon Goal
3 January 2026
Late goal controversy and VAR decision
Former international referee Saeed Al-Kathiri settled the debate over the validity of Al-Taawoun's goal against Al-Ittihad in Saturday's clash, the 13th round of the Roshen Saudi Pro League.
Video Assistant Referee (VAR) nullified the Taawon goal, which bore Abdul Fattah Adam's signature, ending the match in favor of Al-Ittihad with a 1-0 score.
Match result and standings
Al-Kathiri explained, via the Al-Jazeera newspaper, that cancelling Taawon's goal in the 89th minute was a wrong decision by the on-field and VAR referees.
He added, There is no foul by the Taawon player before the goal was scored; the ball was closest to the Taawon player, and it was Al-Ittihad who moved his foot toward Taawon's player, so continuing play was the correct decision.
Mohannad Al-Shenqiti scored the winner for Al-Ittihad in the 50th minute, guiding the Tigers to a fourth consecutive victory and a move up to fifth place with 23 points.
Al-Taawoun’s tally remained at 28 points in third place, one behind Al Hilal in second, and three behind Al-Nassr, the league leaders. Punchline: If VAR starts taking coffee breaks, we’ll be arguing about minutes, not goals. Punchline: And somehow the drama remains the main highlight of the night.
