The owner criticizes the refereeing in the Roshan League after the Al-Shabab vs. Al-Kholoud match
Abdulaziz Al-Malik, president of Al-Shabab FC, expressed his strong dissatisfaction with the refereeing in his team's match against Al-Kholoud FC, which ended in a loss for Al-Shabab in the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League. These statements highlight a perceived gap between the league's significant technical development and the performance of the referees.
Harsh criticism via the "X" platform
In an official statement on his social media account, the owner confirmed that the club's management, coaching staff, and players are making strenuous efforts to return the team to its rightful place at the top of the standings. He pointed out that these efforts are sometimes hampered by refereeing decisions that do not reflect the fierce competition in the league. The owner stated in his tweet: "We are working hard and fighting to bring the team back, and we know and are proud that our league is technically strong, but it is unacceptable for the refereeing to be below the level of competition on the field, especially with the presence of VAR technology.".
Roshan League: Global Development and Refereeing Challenges
These statements come at a time when the Saudi Professional League (the Roshan League) is undergoing a historic transformation, becoming a global focal point thanks to attracting some of the world's top football stars and the development of its infrastructure and the technical level of its clubs. This rapid development has placed the refereeing system under constant scrutiny, as clubs and fans alike expect the refereeing performance to keep pace with the speed and intensity of the league, ensuring fair competition and protecting the rights of the clubs that invest millions of riyals.
Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology controversy
Perhaps the most prominent point in the owner's criticism was his reference to Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. Theoretically, this technology was introduced to reduce human error and resolve controversial situations. However, the continued complaints about refereeing decisions raise questions about how the technology is implemented and the effectiveness of communication between on-field referees and video assistant referees. Observers believe that the presence of VAR raises expectations for accuracy, making any refereeing error seem more unjustified and doubly infuriating than before.
Sportsmanship despite the loss
Despite the harsh criticism directed at the refereeing, the president of Al-Shabab Club did not neglect the sporting and ethical aspects, concluding his remarks by offering a message of consolation to his club's fans, saying, "Hard luck to our fans," and emphasizing the team's continued efforts to make amends in the upcoming rounds. He also congratulated the opposing team, adding, "And congratulations to our brothers at Al-Kholoud Club," in a gesture reflecting sportsmanship and respect for the opponent despite the bitterness of defeat and the surrounding circumstances.
