The 83rd Minute Debate: Red Card Drama in Saudi Arabia vs Oman
2 December 2025
Controversial moment in the 83rd minute
Arbitration experts said Nawaf Boushal, the Saudi full-back, deserved a red card for the Oman clash in the 2025 Arab Cup.
Saudi Arabia edged Oman 2-1 in a Group B opener at Education City Stadium in Doha, on Tuesday.
In the 83rd minute, Nawaf Boushal sprinted into a challenge on an Oman player, and the referee Adham Mukhaddam gave only a yellow card.
Video review processes were invoked, but the official stuck with the yellow rather than a red after the replay.
Experts split on the decision
Egyptian pundit Gamal Al-Ghandour argued the red was warranted, citing contact with the opponent's leg under the boot.
He said VAR should have prompted a different outcome, but the on-field referee erred.
Another expert, Ibrahim Al-Muhairi, described the moment as highly clear in its danger, with a real threat to the opponent's safety that could have torn his Achilles.
He added that the review consumed too much time and, in the end, produced what many consider the tournament’s biggest error after five games.
The media and fans argued about the decision for hours, but the result stood, sending Saudi to the group table lead while Oman reflected on what could have been. Officials defended the process, insisting the review was thorough, not perfunctory.
The story extended beyond the stadium as analysts argued about future refereeing clarity, with a light joke that VAR stands for Very Actual Ref.
With a trophy still up for grabs, analysts promised more clarity in future refereeing decisions.
Fans joked that VAR stands for Very Actual Ref.
Punchline: If VAR were a comedian, it would pause for laughs at every replay—replays, not relief.
Punchline: And if the trophy could joke, it would show up early with a red-card bookmark just to tease the crowd.
