5 controversial fights & red cards in Saudi, UAE, Qatar leagues that shocked fans

Having captured a staggering following in the Middle East over the last few years, complete with glittered line-ups and arduous rivalries, football has taken the world by storm.

But with increased competitiveness have come flashpoints, on-field spats, eye-gouging, red cards, and even fan fistfights.The incidents have shocked fans and fuelled passionate discussions on Factor Shows & Social Media. Here are five of the most controversial fights and red cards that fans can't believe they witnessed in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar leagues.

Cristiano Ronaldo gets a straight red for elbowing Ali Al-Bulayhi

Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off late in Al-Nassr's Saudi Super Cup semi-final against old rivals Al-Hilal on Saturday evening after appearing to elbow Ali Al-Bulayhi in the chest in the 86th minute.

Fans wasted little time reacting to the decision, with the Portuguese international gesturing toward the official and mocking the call as he exited the field. It was Ronaldo's first red card in the Saudi Pro League and initiated a disciplinary process, which reportedly handed him a two-game ban.

Predrag Rajkovic’s red card changes momentum in Al-Ittihad vs Al-Fateh clash

A game that was wild and filled with drama saw defending champions Al-Ittihad begin their season against Al-Fateh in a Saudi Pro League match.

Even though Al-Ittihad was reduced to 10 males after goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic was shown a red card, they nevertheless won 4-2.

The red card came at a time when Al-Fateh appeared to be gaining some traction. Most fans felt that this was a harsh red and changed the match far more than it needed to be changed.Also Read: Why top European stars are choosing Saudi Pro League over Europe

Jhon Duran’s red card for slap sparks outrage

In a closely watched match, Al-Nassr's Jhon Duran was sent off late in stoppage time for a mere slap on Abdulelah Almalki off the ball.

Other observers, including team-mates and fans alike, considered the red card harsh, with some pointing to it as an example of inconsistent refereeing standards in the Saudi Pro League, and it was frequently cited in connection with the high-profile signing of Ronaldo in October 2023.

Lucas Mendes’ red card cost Qatar in World Cup qualifier vs Kyrgyzstan

This was not a club match, but a national team fixture, which caused the uproar of Qatar fans for this one. In the 55th minute of the game, the Qatar national football team was given a red card, which played a vital role in changing the course of the match, as the coach Lucas Mendes explains.

With Qatar reduced to 10 men, two late goals were enough for Qatar to lose 3-1. Opinions were split amongst pundits over the call, with many believing the foul was not dangerous enough to warrant a red.

Fan clashes and legal consequences after UAE Pro League match between Shabab Al Ahli and Al Wasl

While not a red card for a player, this incident involving fans sparked massive controversy. They clashed after the Shabab Al Ahli and Al Wasl match, with A shooting of bottles, smoke flares, and fights (worst id Bogdan Planic) outside the ground. The two clubs were subsequently handed hefty fines (Dh70,000 for Shabab Al Ahli; Dh80,000 for Al Wasl), and arrests were made. It was a flashpoint for some fan behaviour to cross the line, with stronger calls for stadium security and sanctions.