Khaled Al-Shenaif Sparks Controversy with Alleged Bias Toward Al-Hilal in Saudi Football Drama
The Saudi football scene is no stranger too heated rivalries, but the latest controversy involves not just the players on the field but also the voices behind the microphone. Khaled Al-Shenaif, the host of the popular sports program Dorina Ghair, has found himself at the center of a storm after comments perceived as favoring Al-Hilal Club during his recent broadcast.
The drama unfolded on Saturday, January 12, 2025, following a pivotal round of matches in the Saudi Roshan League. Al-Hilal delivered a commanding 5-0 victory over Al-Oruba, while their fierce rivals, Al-Ittihad, stumbled with a 1-1 draw against Al-Fayhaa. These results reshuffled the league standings, with Al-Hilal reclaiming the top spot on goal difference, both teams tied at 37 points.
In his opening remarks, Al-Shenaif declared, “The lead has returned to its original rules. Only Al-Hilal is in the lead, as if the lead prefers it, and it reciprocates its love.” This statement, dripping with poetic flair, was interpreted by manny as a blatant show of support for Al-hilal, igniting a firestorm of criticism from fans and fellow journalists alike.
A Media Professional Under Fire
The backlash was swift. Fans of Al-Ittihad, often referred to as the Al-jeddawi Club, accused Al-shenaif of abandoning journalistic neutrality. prominent journalist Saleh Al-Tariqi weighed in, sarcastically congratulating Al-Shenaif on his apparent bias. “Media professionals must maintain their neutrality and not make statements that show a preference for any team over another,” Al-Tariqi asserted, emphasizing the importance of impartiality in sports journalism.
The criticism didn’t stop there. Hamza Al-Sayed, a respected sports writer, took to Twitter to voice his disapproval, stating, “#KhaledAl-Sheneef gets lost sometimes here and sometimes there.Yes, he is more of a fan than a journalist, and therefore emotions are overwhelming and scandalous. #DurinaGhair.” His tweet,accompanied by a clip of Al-Shenaif’s remarks,quickly went viral,further fueling the debate.
A Rivalry That Transcends the Pitch
This controversy comes on the heels of another high-stakes encounter between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad. Just weeks earlier,Al-Ittihad had triumphed over Al-Hilal in a dramatic penalty shootout during the quarter-finals of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup. This victory added another layer of intensity to the already fierce rivalry between the two clubs, making Al-Shenaif’s comments even more contentious.Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| match Results | Al-Hilal 5-0 Al-Oruba; al-Ittihad 1-1 Al-Fayhaa |
| League Standings | Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad tied at 37 points; Al-Hilal leads on goal difference |
| Controversial Statement | “The lead has returned to its original rules. Only Al-Hilal is in the lead.” |
| Critics | Saleh Al-Tariqi, Hamza Al-Sayed, and Al-Ittihad fans |
| Recent Rivalry | Al-Ittihad defeated Al-Hilal in Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup |
the Bigger Picture
The incident raises important questions about the role of media professionals in sports. Should they remain strictly neutral, or is there room for personal expression? Al-Shenaif’s case highlights the fine line journalists must walk, especially in a region where football is more than just a game—it’s a passion that unites and divides.
As the Saudi Roshan League continues, all eyes will be on Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, not just for their on-field performances but also for the narratives that unfold off the pitch. For now, Khaled Al-Shenaif’s remarks have added another chapter to the storied rivalry between these two football giants.
What do you think about the role of journalists in sports? Should they remain neutral, or is there room for personal bias? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.
Khaled Al-Shenaif Sparks Controversy with alleged Bias Toward Al-Hilal in Saudi Football Drama
The Saudi football scene is no stranger to heated rivalries, but the latest controversy involves not just the players on the field but also the voices behind the microphone. Khaled Al-Shenaif,the host of the popular sports program Dorina Ghair,has found himself at the center of a storm after comments perceived as favoring Al-Hilal club during his recent broadcast.
The drama unfolded on Saturday, January 12, 2025, following a pivotal round of matches in the Saudi Roshan League.Al-Hilal delivered a commanding 5-0 victory over Al-Oruba, while their fierce rivals, Al-Ittihad, stumbled with a 1-1 draw against Al-Fayhaa. These results reshuffled the league standings, with Al-Hilal reclaiming the top spot on goal difference, both teams tied at 37 points.
In his opening remarks, Al-Shenaif declared, “The lead has returned to its original rules. Only Al-Hilal is in the lead, as if the lead prefers it, and it reciprocates its love.” This statement, dripping with poetic flair, was interpreted by many as a blatant show of support for Al-Hilal, igniting a firestorm of criticism from fans and fellow journalists alike.
Interview with Dr. Ahmed Al-Mansoori, Sports Media Analyst
The Bigger Picture
The incident raises crucial questions about the role of media professionals in sports. Should they remain strictly neutral, or is there room for personal expression? Al-Shenaif’s case highlights the fine line journalists must walk, especially in a region where football is more than just a game—it’s a passion that unites and divides.
As the Saudi Roshan league continues, all eyes will be on Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, not just for their on-field performances but also for the narratives that unfold off the pitch. For now, Khaled Al-Shenaif’s remarks have added another chapter to the storied rivalry between these two football giants.
What do you think about the role of journalists in sports? Should they remain neutral, or is there room for personal bias? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.
