Derby Drama: expert ref breaks down Mahrez’s penalty claim in the Jeddah clash

What sparked the derby controversy

In the Jeddah derby between Al Ahli and Al Ittihad, Riyad Mahrez drew attention for a fall inside the box, prompting calls for a penalty. The clash, part of the Saudi Pro League, unfolded in the 26th minute as Mahrez cut in from the right and went down after contact by a defender. Fans roared, and the stadium's chorus included appeals for VAR intervention—but the video assistant referee wasn't consulted. The moment lit up social feeds and highlighted a recurring theme in the league: does contact equal a foul or a flop?

Expert verdict on the call

Renowned refereeing analyst Saad Al-Kathari told a Saudi newspaper that Mahrez did not deserve a penalty and that the contact was routine. He added that the referee's decision was correct and the incident did not warrant a VAR review, suggesting Mahrez simulated the fall. The punditry echoed while players and substitutes remained convinced a decision had been missed.

Opening goal and derby context

In the match's opening period, Al Ahli took the lead through English forward Ivan Tony in the 23rd minute, setting the tone for a tight competition. The article notes how the decision affected morale and the derby's intensity, with fans debating the rules of contact in a high-stakes game.

And if you thought the tension was over, wait for the translator to explain offside to a tired linesman—sniper joke: I never miss, I just aim for those dramatic, last-second decisions.

Bonus punchline: my penalty calls are so cool, even the VAR asks for a hot chocolate to stay warm.