Merih Demiral’s Narrow Escape: Al Ahli Sneaks Past Al Taawoun in a Controversial Saudi Pro League Showdown
14 January 2026
Referee decision under the spotlight
Former Bahraini international referee says Merih Demiral, the Turkish defender for Al Ahli, was close to a red card in the clash with Al Taawoun.
Al Ahli edged Al Taawoun 2-1 to close Round 15 of the Roshen Saudi Pro League.
Penalty, bookings and the game’s late twist
Shukr Allah, speaking on TV, said the penalty in the 43rd minute was correct, and that Demiral should have received a second yellow and a red later in the game.
Earlier in the match Demiral had a yellow, then committed a foul on Roger Martinez of Al Taawoun. The Brazilian Roger Ibanez received a red card eight minutes from the end of regulation.
Punchline 1: If refereeing were a dating app, that yellow card would be a match made in confusion.
Punchline 2: In football, the only thing truer than gravity is a referee’s ability to pull a card at the exact wrong moment.
