Saudi Pro League Week 12: Controversy Erupts as Majed Abdullah Demands Referee Accountability
The Saudi Pro League delivered another thrilling round of action over the weekend, marked by hard-fought victories for the league’s top clubs. However, the excitement was overshadowed by controversy surrounding refereeing decisions, prompting legendary Nasr player Majed Abdullah to call for significant changes.
The week kicked off with Al-Nasr achieving a confident victory over Damak, followed by a tight, scoreless win for Al-Ahly against Al-Wahda. Al-Ittihad dominated their match against Al-Ettifaq, securing a decisive victory. Closing out the round, Al-Hilal edged out Al-Shabab in a 2-1 match that ignited a firestorm of debate due to controversial officiating.
Responding to the contentious clash between Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab, Abdullah, a prominent voice in Saudi Arabian football, urged the referees committee to address the growing problem of referee inconsistency.
“We’re witnessing a league that’s progressing rapidly and seeing intense competition among clubs," Abdullah declared. "It’s unacceptable that officiating decisions should have such a profound impact on the game’s outcome and the teams’ standings. The referees committee needs to take decisive action to ensure the integrity of these decisions on the field."
Abdullah called for a raise in the standard of officiating, emphasizing the need to attract top-tier referees.
“If there’s a genuine desire to improve refereeing, then when we recruit international referees, they must be the best of the best, not just any international referee," he emphasized. "We need officials who are capable of meeting the high standards of the Saudi Pro League, which is now attracting global attention. Arbitrary and ill-considered decisions directly affect the experience of Saudi fans, who deserve better."
Expressing deep concern for the future of the league, Abdullah appealed directly to the referees committee: "Put the fans first. They are the lifeblood of this league. Address these mistakes before we risk losing their trust and passion.”
He concluded by highlighting the implications of poor officiating on the hard work and investments made by clubs:
“[Saudi] clubs are working tirelessly, investing in players and coaches to deliver their best performances,” Abdullah pointed out. "But the decisions of referees can undermine all of this effort. There must be clear and transparent mechanisms for selecting referees and holding them accountable.”
The controversy surrounding the Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab match was further amplified online, with social media users debating the refereeing decisions.
Direct elimination of SSC pic.twitter.com/4USWo7w4ME
— SSC (@ssc_sports) November 30, 2024
Abdullah’s impassioned plea reflects a growing concern within the Saudi Pro League about the quality of refereeing and its potential impact on the league’s development and reputation. As the league continues to attract global attention, ensuring fair and consistent officiating is paramount to its long-term success.
2024-12-01 03:30:00
#referees #committee #intervene. #Saudi #League #suffering
## Saudi Pro League Under Fire: Majed Abdullah Blames Poor Refereeing for Dividing the League
**World-Today-News Exclusive Interview with Majed Abdullah**
**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia** – The Saudi Pro League continues to draw global attention with its star-studded lineups and high-stakes matches. Though, Week 12 saw a wave of controversy wash over the league, leading to accusations of bias and incompetence amongst referees.
Legendary Al-Nasr and saudi Arabia national team striker Majed Abdullah, widely regarded as one of the greatest Arab footballers of all time, spoke exclusively with World-Today-News about his growing concern over the officiating in the league.
**World-Today-News:** Mr. Abdullah, thank you for taking the time.This week witnessed several controversial refereeing decisions across the league. What is your overall assessment of the officiating this season?
**Majed Abdullah:** Frankly,it’s been disappointing. We’ve seen inexplicable mistakes, inconsistent calls, and a lack of clear communication from officials. This isn’t just about specific games; it’s about a essential lack of accountability and a negative impact on the integrity of the league.
**World-Today-News:** Al-Nasr’s victory over Damac this week was overshadowed by arguments with the referee. Was this a catalyst for your public criticism?
**Majed Abdullah:** While the damac match certainly highlighted some glaring issues, this is a systemic problem that requires immediate attention. We cannot allow refereeing controversies to become the main talking point week after week. It devalues the talent on display and undermines the progress the league has made.
**World-Today-news:** What concrete changes would you like to see implemented to improve refereeing standards in the league?
**Majed Abdullah:** Firstly, we need a more transparent system for selecting and evaluating referees. There should be clear criteria, ongoing training, and a process for addressing mistakes. Secondly,the implementation of VAR technology is crucial. It’s not simply about correcting errors; it’s about fostering trust and consistency. Lastly, we need a culture of accountability where referees are held responsible for their decisions, both good and bad.
**World-Today-news:** Some argue that the influx of foreign players might be exacerbating the issue, with referees struggling to adapt to different styles of play. Do you agree?
**Majed Abdullah:** There may be some truth to that. Though, the issue isn’t exclusive to foreign players. We need referees who are competent, well-trained, and able to officiate at the highest level, nonetheless of the players involved.
**World-Today-News:** What message do you have for the Saudi Pro League administrators and the referees themselves?
**Majed Abdullah:** To the administrators, I urge them to act decisively and prioritize refereeing improvement. This isn’t just about football; it’s about the reputation and future of the Saudi Pro League. To the referees, I urge them to continuously strive for excellence, embrace continuous learning, and put the integrity of the game above all else.
**World-Today-News:** Thank you for your insightful comments, Mr.Abdullah.We hope your message resonates and leads to positive changes within the Saudi Pro League.
