When Shields Get Tested: Al-Ittihad Stands Firm After Derby Sanctions

Derby Fallout and Penalties

Riad Al-Mazhar, the official spokesperson for Al-Ittihad Club, outlined the team’s stance on the Disciplinary Committee’s punishment issued for banners displayed during the derby against Al-Ahli on November 8 last year, in the eighth round of the Saudi Pro League.

Al-Ittihad insists it will not bow to the sanctions and stresses that its supporters do not need messages to prove they are the greatest and strongest since the club’s founding.

Details of Sanctions and Banner Incident

Al-Mazhar noted that the banner was raised in Al-Ahli’s stands, the case is under review, and the Tigers’ fan support will remain steady and unshaken.

The Disciplinary Committee ordered Al-Ittihad to pay a fine of 200,000 riyals, to play the next league match at home behind closed doors, and to shut the stadium completely.

The committee also suspended implementing the fan ban for four months; if any violation occurs during the suspension, the punishment will come into effect.

The sanctions followed several Tigers fans bringing a banner to the derby bearing the message "In all languages, the shame of relegation will never be erased," a reference to a rival club’s relegation to the lower division.

"We will defend our rights and stand by our fans," Al-Mazhar added, underscoring that the incident does not define the club or its supporters.

Punchline time: if penalties were fireworks, this derby just lit up the whole stadium—without the fans, the show must go on, and so must the drama.

Punchline time 2: when the banners talk louder than the banners’ team colors, you know you’ve got a league that’s equal parts sport and soap opera.