Saturday's clash between Al Hilal and Al Fateh, staged in the ninth round of the Saudi Pro League at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, featured an unusually high number of debatable officiating moments. The home side fought back from a first-half deficit to claim a 2-1 victory, boosting their points tally to 23 and keeping them within a point of league leaders Nasr, who were due to face Gulf in the same round tomorrow. Al Fateh, meanwhile, remained stranded in 15th place with five points as the season moves through its mid-stage grind.
A late penalty to Hilal and a red card for a Fateh forward defined the scoring, with Murad Batna converting the visitors' spot-kick and Robin Neves providing the winner from the spot in stoppage time after Nasser Al-Dossari had been sent off.
Penalty controversy
Risha, the officiating analyst, commented that Neves did not touch the ball in the initial contact with Batna, and that the subsequent contact on Al-Dawsari was incidental and should not have altered the play.
Al Fateh were awarded a penalty, and Batna converted, while the home side also benefited from a late spot-kick that sealed the win for Hilal. The panel’s takeaway was that some decisions were arguable, even if the official call stood.
Red card and late drama
Darwin Núñez, the Uruguayan forward, showed visible anger after being substituted late in the game, kicking a Hilal jersey that lay on the ground. Local outlets cited Simone Inzaghi deciding to substitute him near the end, drawing attention for the reaction and for the side’s ability to win despite six key absences.
The substitute moment reflected a tense mood in the camp, with Núñez’s act becoming a talking point beyond the scoreline.
Fan moments and November outlook
Post-match, Fahd Bin Nafel, former Hilal president, surprised fans by attending the match and handing out blue whale-themed jerseys, a gesture that underscored the club’s close ties to its supporters.
Looking ahead, Hilal paused domestic duties to focus on the AFC Champions League Elite, hosting Iraq's Al-Shorta on November 25 at the Kingdom Arena, aiming to secure a last-16 berth. The Iraqi side have endured a tough campaign, with two losses and a draw, sitting second-to-last in the West group with one point. If possible, Hilal will also renew their Cup ties with Fateh on November 28 in the King's Cup quarterfinals.
Inzaghi on the loss and the anger
Inzaghi spoke to the media after the win, saying that he was furious initially because the early penalty decision disrupted their rhythm. He added that while they could have played better, the team deserves credit for delivering victory despite six key absences, and that they must start better in upcoming games, since early openings have haunted them more than once this season.
Punchline time: If refereeing keeps this pace, VAR will need a vacation. And if the ball is going to bounce the other way, at least let it bounce with a closer storyline for the headlines. Sniper-style humor aside, football remains a game of inches and opinions.
