Whistle Drama in the Jeddah Derby: Was Al Ahli's Goal Legit or a Referee Error?
6 March 2026
Controversial moment in the Jeddah derby
A refereeing moment in the Jeddah derby between Al Ahli and Al Ittihad has sparked debate over the validity of Ahli's opening goal. An independent match expert analyzed the episode to determine whether the strike came during a quick counter and whether a foul call might have altered the outcome.
Sequence and opinions
The goal was scored by Ivan Toney in the 23rd minute after Galino delivered a low cross from the left, which the English forward diverted into the net. The action unfolded at the Enmaa Stadium in Jeddah, during the 25th round of the Saudi Pro League.
However, Galino's run began on the counter after Algerian Hassam Awar lost possession inside the box, setting up the goal. Awar then argued for a penalty, claiming contact, which the referee declined.
Egyptian refereeing expert Mohamed Kamal Risha supported the on-field decision, saying the strike was legitimate and that no penalty should have been awarded before the goal.
Speaking to Al-Riyadhia, Risha said: "In a Jeddah derby, there are no penalties for Awar; the referee's decision to play on was correct and the Ahli goal stands."
The piece summarizes the key claims and notes that the debate will persist as the teams meet again later in the season.
Punchline 1: If refereeing were a sniper sport, this call would be a clean headshot of uncertainty.
Punchline 2: In football, the only thing louder than a whistle is the crowd's chorus of opinions about it.
