Derby Drama and Referee Reads: Aouar Speaks on Officiating and Benzema’s New Chapter
22 February 2026
Derby drama and Aouar's post-match remarks
The Algerian midfielder Hossam Aouar of Al Ittihad voiced his frustration with refereeing after the Saudi Pro League derby against arch-rivals Al Hilal.
Aouar's equalizer earned Al Ittihad a 1-1 draw on Saturday at Kingdom Arena, despite playing with ten men from the ninth minute after defender Hassan Kadsh was sent off.
Speaking to the Thamaniya channel after the match, he said: "We are happy with the result. When you play a derby, you want to win; I am very proud of the team and everyone." He added that the red card changed the dynamic, making it harder to play with the same ambition, since playing with 11 would have given them more domination and a higher tempo.
"This season has been hard," he continued, "we felt a missed penalty and a teammate sent off—that’s part of the game. I hope things improve, and we will recover tonight and be ready for the next match."
He also touched on facing Karim Benzema in a Hilal kit, after Benzema's move away from the club three weeks earlier. "It felt strange because we played together not long ago; he is a great player and a legend. But that's football—today with your friends, tomorrow against them. Friends stay friends outside the pitch, not on it."
Takeaways and the Benzema moment
As the lights dim on another classic clash, Aouar's remarks highlighted the ongoing officiating debates in the league and the evolving dynamics as foreign stars adapt to new colors in Saudi football.
And for a bit of light relief after the drama: referees are like Wi‑Fi—great when signals are strong, and puzzling when they drop; Benzema's appearance added another layer of drama that the memes quickly captured.
Punchlines: The referee’s whistle clearly had a caffeine boost tonight—loud, present, and a little blurry. And facing Benzema in a rival shirt? Football loves a plot twist more than a soap opera needs an encore.
