Aballou: A site made by fans, for fans

Penalty Dilemma in Riyadh Derby: Did Mane Earn a Call?

2 February 2026

Penalty Dilemma in Riyadh Derby: Did Mane Earn a Call?
Mane appeals for a penalty in a tense Saudi Pro League clash.

What happened in the Riyadh derby

In a tense Saudi Pro League fixture, Al Nassr visited Al Riyadh at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium. A controversial moment arose when Senegal forward Sadio Mane challenged for a goal inside the box, only to be halted by a Riyadh defender, and to fall to the ground appealing for a penalty.

Early on, Mane received a dangerous ball inside the penalty area and attempted to shoot, but was blocked before he could convert.

Reaction and takeaways

The referee waved play on, with no foul called and no intervention from VAR. This decision sparked anger among some Al Nassr supporters who circulated clips insisting Mane deserved a spot-kick.

Author

Avatar

Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened in the match between Al Nassr and Al Riyadh?

Mane challenged for a scoring chance inside the box, was fouled, fell, and appealed for a penalty, but the referee did not award the call and no VAR intervention occurred.

Was video review used on that moment?

No. There was no Video Assistant Referee intervention for the incident.

How did the fans react?

Some Al Nassr supporters circulated clips claiming Mane deserved a penalty, fueling online debate after the game.