Referee Shock: Was Al Hilal's Goal Legitimate? A Saudi Pro League Controversy Unfolds
4 April 2026
Match Controversy
The Boss slipped into a draw in the Roshen League. A top-tier referee pundit delivered a heavy surprise by confirming that Al Hilal scored an illegitimate goal against Al Taawoun in the Roshen League.
The teams drew 2-2 as the game finished Saturday at Kingdom Arena in the 27th round of the Roshen League.
The first goal came in the 43rd minute from the Ivorian striker Mohamed Kader Meti, who cut in from the left and fired past the keeper.
Khalil Jalal, the match official expert on Eight TV, said the goal was not legitimate due to an early foul on Al Hilal.
Jalal also noted that Senegalese Kalidou Koulibaly committed a foul on Mohammed Al Kuwkabi, the Taawoun player, at the start of the action.
He criticized the VAR referees for not alerting the referee to cancel the goal.
The draw left Al Hilal second in the Saudi Pro League with 65 points, five behind leaders Al Nassr and level on goal difference with Al Ahli.
Impact and Aftermath
The incident adds another layer to Saudi football's debate on officiating and technology. The league's narrative remains tight, with a title race that could still swing in unexpected directions.
Officials say the draw keeps the title race tight and that fans should expect more drama.
Punchline 1: If goals could talk, this one would plead not guilty — but the VAR said otherwise.
Punchline 2: The chalk of the pitch has a better alibi tonight than some players do.
