Saudi Pro League in chaos as membership demand overseas referees to finish ‘suspicious’ choices
Al-Hilal have demanded that “foreign refereeing crews” are introduced to the Saudi Pro League after complaining that “astonishing” decisions are being given against them by homegrown officials
The Saudi Pro League has been plunged into controversy after Al-Hilal demanded foreign officials are imported to end ‘suspicious’ refereeing.
The division has been plagued by embarrassingly low attendances and the departure of big names such as manager Steven Gerrard and former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson. But now its officiating that has fallen under the microscope.
A contentious 1-1 draw against Al-Riyadh on Friday left reigning champions Al-Hilal one point adrift of league leaders Al-Ittihad in second place, having played a game more than their rivals.
Al-Hilal thought they should have been awarded two penalties, which were not given following VAR reviews, and in the aftermath of the stalemate the club released an incendiary statement.
The club called for “foreign refereeing crews” that are “known in major global leagues” to be introduced in Saudi Arabian football, insisting that the penalty decisions were only the “latest incidents” in a “series of refereeing cases”.
Al-Hilal’s statement read: “Al-Hilal club wishes to express its astonishment at the suspicious refereeing decisions witnessed in the first-team’s match in the Roshn Saudi Pro League, despite the presence of the latest technologies to assist in making fair decisions.
“The latest incidents occurred in the team’s recent match against Al-Riyadh club, where two penalty kicks, clearly validated by VAR footage from multiple angles, were ignored.
“This is part of a series of refereeing cases characterised by their obstinacy, with a reluctance to revert to VAR technology or two award penalties, despite the clarity of the situation.
“The club clarifies that its stance remains firm on the importance of bringing in foreign refereeing crews to officiate its matches, provided they are top-tier referees known in major global leagues.
“The club hopes that it will not penalised by the recruitment of obscure referees as a result of its rejection of the demands by Manuel Navarro, chairman of the Referees Committee of the Saudi Football Federation, who has repeatedly asked the club’s officials to revert to Saudi referees.”
Next up for Al-Hilal is a midweek AFC Champions League game versus Emirati club Al-Wasl, ahead of what could be a pivotal Saudi Pro League showdown with Al-Ittihad, who could move four points clear at the top of the table if they beat Al-Wehda on Saturday evening.
