Late penalty, big debate: Al-Nassr edges Al-Ittihad in a Clasico shock
6 February 2026
Late penalty seals the Clasico
In the closing minutes of the Saudi Pro League Clasico, Al-Nassr faced arch-rivals Al-Ittihad with a penalty that decided the result and ignited a debate about handball interpretation and VAR use.
The teams met today at Al-Nassr Park during Round 21 of the season, delivering a dramatic finale to a high-stakes rivalry.
In the 84th minute, Senegalese star Sadio Mané converted the spot-kick after a shot from Ayman Yahya struck Al-Ittihad defender Mohammed Bernawi's hand.
The referee awarded the penalty without a prolonged review, after being advised by the VAR room via in-ear communication, despite protests from Al-Ittihad players.
Egyptian match analyst Mohamed Kamal Reesha later backed the decision, saying the hand contact warranted a penalty and that the VAR confirmation made the call solid. He told Al-Riyadia that the contact changed the trajectory of the shot and that the decision was consistent with VAR guidance.
The moment underscored the heated nature of the Clasico and the ongoing debate over handball rules in the Saudi Pro League.
Whether you agree with the call or not, it ensured a memorable finish and kept referees in the spotlight. And if you want my take, I would say the ball found fate, and fate found a whistle. Punchlines follow: if penalties were a comedian, that one would get a standing ovation. And my second line: the VAR room must have better Wi-Fi than my living room—replays, no buffering.
