Shadows of Suspension Hover Over Al-Ittihad Defender Ahead of Neom Showdown

Match Preview: Mitaj's Suspension Dilemma Ahead of Neom

Al-Ittihad are reportedly at risk of losing one of their players to Neom in the upcoming midweek clash, set for Wednesday at King Khalid Sports City Stadium in Tabuk.

The clash pits Al-Ittihad and Neom in the twelfth round of the Roshen Saudi Pro League.

The Saudi newspaper Okaz reported that the Albanian defender Mario Mitaj could be suspended and miss Neom if he collects a fourth booking in the upcoming match against Al-Shabab on Saturday.

The Western club will host Neom at the Enmaa Stadium at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, in the eleventh round.

The club's management had previously refused Mitaj's departure during the summer transfer window, as the Albanian defender, whose loan was made permanent last season, is considered part of the Tigers' plans.

Mitaj has appeared 16 times for Al-Ittihad this season across all competitions, scoring one goal and providing two decisive assists.

The squad sits seventh in the Saudi Pro League table on 14 points from 9 games, with four wins, two draws and three losses.

Punchline 1: If Mitaj gets a fourth yellow, the referee will need a bigger notebook—yellow is clearly his new fashion trend.

Punchline 2: Football is drama—Mitaj's possible suspension might just turn the stadium into a color-coded comedy club.