VAR Drama on Debut: Al-Shabab's New Defender Sees Goal Chalked Off
7 February 2026
VAR Drama on Debut
The Lions’ new star fails to find the back of the net.
Ali Al-Bulaihi, the Lions' new defender, endured a brutal VAR blow in his first appearance for Al-Shabab as they lost 1-0 to Al-Kholood in round 21 of the Saudi Pro League.
He started the match on the field after joining on loan from Al-Hilal in the recent winter window, bringing him to the squad until the end of the season.
In the 66th minute of the second half, Al-Bulaihi headed home a perfectly timed corner from Belgian Yannick Carrasco, giving the Saudis' side the lead.
But the celebrations were cut short when the referee reviewed the goal and ruled out a foul committed by a Shabab player before the ball reached the scorer.
Al-Bulaihi had dreamed of making his mark with the club after a long spell on the fringes at Al-Hilal since last season.
Punchlines: If VAR is in charge, every goal comes with a lecture; and if you can't score, at least you can score some laughs from the bench.
