Riyadh Derby Fallout: Al-Nassr VP Blames Referees After Loss to Al-Hilal
14 January 2026
Riyadh Derby Fallout
Al-Nassr's vice president Khalid Waleed Al-Malik blamed the officiating crew for the defeat to Al-Hilal in the Riyadh derby, played last Monday in round 15 of the Roshen Saudi Pro League.
He posted on X: "The great Al-Nassr fans are after God the steadfast support when words run wild."
He added that despite a technically balanced performance with a clear identity, uneven refereeing decisions and the lack of a single standard decision undermine fairness, and what the team faced in the latest match proves it.
He continued: "Individual mistakes are corrected by work and discipline, whereas refereeing mistakes require fixes from those in charge, and we all trust them."
He said the technical staff and executive management have met all early-season requirements and will not stop; our goal is to build a team able to face all circumstances, with our stars set to bring joy to the fans in coming days.
He addressed Al-Nassr supporters: "Stay behind your team; it needs calm and focus, and remember that Al-Nassr only grows with you."
Al-Nassr currently sits second in the Roshen Saudi Pro League with 31 points, seven behind leaders Al-Hilal.
Punchline 1: If referees were snipers, their best shot would be at the ball—and somehow the drama never misses. Punchline 2: I told my TV to pause the game; even the remote can’t stop a controversial call from delivering the plot twist.
