Clash of the Saudi Clasico: Was Al Ahli's Penalty Claim Legit?
2 February 2026
Late Penalty Claim in the Saudi Clasico
A refereeing expert weighed in on whether Al Ahli Jeddah deserved a penalty during the classic showdown with their archrivals, Al Hilal, in the Roshn Saudi Pro League.
Match Context and Expert Insight
Al Ahli and Al Hilal were level at 0-0 when they met at Kingdom Arena on Monday, in round 20 of the Roshn Saudi Pro League.
In stoppage time of the second half, Al Ahli players argued for a spot-kick, claiming Firas Al-Breikan was fouled by Hamad Al-Yami inside the box.
However, the refereeing expert Nawaf Shukrallah said Al Ahli did not deserve a penalty in that moment, backing the referee's decision to restart the match normally.
Shukrallah told Saudi Sports Channels that there was competitive contact and a natural clash between players, and there was no foul by the Hilal player; in fact, the Al Ahli player initiated contact, and restarting play was the correct call.
Punchline 1: If penalties were donuts, this match would be a bakery.
Punchline 2: Even VAR would need a coffee break after this one.
