Penalty Shock? Controversy Dampens Al Hilal vs Al Ittihad Clash
22 February 2026
Match Controversy
Saudi football expert Abdullah Al-Qahtani stirred the pot with a bold claim about a potential penalty for Al Ittihad against Al Hilal in the 23rd round of the Roshen League, ending in a 1-1 draw.
As a result, Al Hilal stays on 54 points, dropping to second place behind leaders Al Nassr by one point, while Al Ittihad climbs to 38 points and sits in sixth.
In an interview on the Saudi show "Durina Ghair", Al-Qahtani said that Al Ittihad deserved a penalty in the 65th minute after Yusuf Al-Nassiri was struck by Hassan Tembakti.
He added that Al-Nassiri had a better shooting opportunity, but the foul by Tembakti disrupted him, making a direct goal-scoring chance impossible and thus meriting a penalty.
Impact on the Standings
The match also featured other controversial moments, including Hassan Kadsh's sending off in the 9th minute of the first half.
That call was so controversial, it could get its own Netflix series.
If football had a laugh track, this moment would have its own.
Two punchlines keep the mood light: that call was so controversial, it could get its own Netflix series. If football had a laugh track, this moment would have its own.
