Ittihad’s Fiery Stand: Fabinho Red Card Questioned as Drama Unfolds in the Gulf Showdown
3 November 2025
Riyad Al-Mazhar, the official spokesman for Al-Ittihad, underscored the need to protect players' effort and the coaching staff, insisting that what happened during the latest clash with Al-Khaleej, along with the ensuing refereeing controversy, warrants careful review to preserve fair competition.
He argued that Al-Ittihad faced clear injustice after the red card shown to Brazilian Fabinho, noting that match analysts unanimously agreed the decision was incorrect. He stressed that the club's administration aims to clarify all the circumstances tied to the red card.
Al-Ittihad produced one of the season's most dramatic comebacks, turning a four-goal deficit into a dramatic 4-4 draw in round seven of the Saudi Pro League.
Details of the goals: Joshua King struck in the 14th and 47th minutes, Fortunis in the 18th and 37th, while Moussa Diaby hit twice in the 50th and 86th minutes, with Meité delivering a late strike at 90+5 and Faisal Al-Ghamdi levelling in 90+8 to seal the drama.
With the draw, Al-Ittihad moved to 11 points in eighth place, just one goal behind Al-Khaleej in seventh.
Red Card Controversy and Calls for Transparency
The match took a sharp turn at the 32nd minute when referee Sami Al-Jreis issued a red card to Fabinho after a challenge on Majed Keneba. After VAR review, the decision stood, leaving the side to play with ten men and chasing a two-goal deficit.
The red card not only affected the result but also deprived Al-Ittihad of a key midfielder ahead of the upcoming derby with Al-Ahli, a double blow that unsettled the team’s balance.
Looking Ahead: Derby and Transparency Demands
Riyad Al-Mazhar spoke of demanding clarity from the Saudi Football Federation and the referees committee, calling for access to what happened in the VAR room to ensure full transparency and to reconsider the red card against Fabinho.
He also criticized the scheduling of the Riyadh clash on November 21, arguing that it should be moved from 4:45 pm after Friday prayers to maximize attendance and fairness, especially given travel and stadium locations.
Additionally, he noted that foreign referees have been requested for the upcoming derby against Al-Ahli, and explained that a prior match against Al-Hilal involved an overseas crew—an arrangement that cost clubs significant sums but is seen as essential for quality oversight. He cited a rough cost of 450,000 riyals for hiring foreign officials.
Saudi football analyst Mohammed Kamal Risha described the red card as harsh, noting that Fabinho challenged for the ball and only clipped the opponent’s foot; he suggested a yellow card would have been more fitting and termed the decision "unfortunate."
Asia and Domestic Ambitions: Sharjah, Dammam, and Beyond
The scene also looked ahead to Asia: Al-Ittihad preparing for a key AFC Champions League Elite clash against Sharjah in Jeddah on Tuesday, aiming to secure three points and boost their continental aspirations after a bumpy start in Asia.
In the Saudi West standings, Al-Ittihad sits seventh after beating Al-Shorta and losing to Al-Wehda and Shabab Al-Ahli, while Sharjah sits on four points with a win over Al-Gharafa and a draw with Al-Sadd before a heavy 0-5 loss to Tractor.
The club hopes to capitalize on home support to push their continental bid forward, building on the dramatic comeback against Al-Khaleej and using momentum to face Sharjah in the next phase.
