Saudi football authorities are set to review fan protocols following an incident where Al Ittihad’s Abderrazak Hamdallah was attacked by a spectator. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has described the incident as “disgraceful” and has promised to take action.
The attack took place during a match between Al Ittihad and Al Hilal at the Saudi Super Cup in Abu Dhabi on April 11. Footage shows Hamdallah being struck by a spectator with what appears to be a whip after a heated exchange.
SAFF and the Football Players Association of Saudi Arabia have released a statement condemning the incident and stating that ensuring the safety of everyone at matches is a top priority. They have announced plans to review the fan code of conduct to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
Saudi Arabia has been working to establish itself as a major player in the world of football, with ambitions to host the World Cup in 2034. The Saudi Pro League has attracted top international talent with lucrative salaries.