Referee Expert Puts Riyadh Derby Penalty Debate to Rest
13 January 2026
Derby Penalty Controversy: What the Referee Said
Was Nassr unfairly treated in the Derby?
A refereeing consultant has settled the debate over the validity of the two penalties awarded to Al Hilal in the Riyadh Derby against their traditional rivals, Al Nassr.
Al Hilal beat Al Nassr 3-1 in a match played Monday at the Kingdom Arena, in the fifteenth round of the Roshen Saudi Pro League.
The Leader nailed the first and third goals from penalties, courtesy of players Salem Al-Dosri and Robin Neves, after Malcolm and 'the Tornado' were fouled inside the box by Mohammed Simakan and Ali Al-Hassan.
Former Egyptian referee Mohamed Kamal Resha told the Saudi daily Al-Riyadiyah that the first penalty was rightly awarded to Al Hilal after Malcolm was fouled by Simakan inside the box.
Regarding the second penalty, he said: 'In the 90th minute, a penalty for Al Hilal against Al Nassr, for a foul by Ali Al-Hassan on Salem Al-Dosri inside the box'.
He also supported the referee's call to send off Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Nassr's goalkeeper, in the 60th minute for assault on Robin Neves.
The expert added: 'Nawaf Al-Aqidi assaulted Neves's head, and deserved a straight red card'.
Additionally: 'The refereeing decision was correct because of misconduct during a stoppage, and Neves deserved the yellow for unsportsmanlike conduct'.
Punchline: penalties deserve their own highlight reel.
