Saudi FA Responds: Fan Conduct Under Review After Player Incident
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has announced plans to reassess its spectator code of conduct following a disturbing incident where a fan appeared to strike an Al-Ittihad player with a whip during a match against Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup held in Abu Dhabi.
The shocking scene unfolded after Al-Ittihad’s defeat, where footage captured Al-Ittihad striker Abderrazak Hamdallah retaliating by throwing water at a fan, who then proceeded to strike the player twice with what appeared to be a whip.
In response, the SAFF expressed deep concern over the disgraceful events, emphasizing that football in Saudi Arabia is synonymous with family entertainment, and such acts of fan misconduct are highly unusual. The federation strongly condemned the incident, reaffirming its commitment to upholding the values of integrity and sportsmanship in the sport.
As part of its response, the SAFF has pledged to review the spectator code of conduct thoroughly. This review aims to update and reinforce existing regulations to swiftly and effectively address any breaches of conduct by spectators. The ultimate goal is to implement stringent penalties that deter such reprehensible behavior and safeguard the integrity of football events in Saudi Arabia.
By taking decisive action to address this incident and strengthen spectator regulations, the SAFF seeks to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents, ensuring that football remains a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants and fans alike.
