Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Al Taawoun have expressed strong dissatisfaction with what they described as “repeated refereeing injustice” this season, warning that officiating decisions are now threatening the principle of fair competition in the Saudi Pro League.

In an official statement released in both Arabic and English, the club said it was “deeply disappointed and strongly condemns” what it views as a pattern of refereeing errors that have gone beyond acceptable limits during the current campaign.

The statement followed Al Taawoun’s recent defeat to Al Ahli, in which a stoppage-time penalty was awarded against them — a decision that sparked visible anger from head coach Vagner Mancini’s successor Péricles Chamusca.

Chamusca confronted the match referee immediately after the final whistle before reiterating his frustration during the post-match press conference.

The Brazilian coach said he has been working in Saudi football for eight years and claimed that this was only the second time in that period that a match had been “taken away” from his team due to refereeing decisions.

Al Taawoun’s management revealed in the statement that the club had already followed official channels by formally contacting the Referees Committee and submitting documented evidence related to the disputed incidents. However, the club said these efforts had not resulted in any “tangible or corrective action.”

The statement added that the team, which has competed strongly against high-profile opponents through disciplined technical and tactical work, felt “let down” by decisive refereeing calls that undermined the efforts of both its technical staff and administrative structure.

Al Taawoun concluded by calling for an immediate and comprehensive review of refereeing performance, urging accountability for officials who fall short and demanding improvements in refereeing standards to match the growing technical quality and stature of the Saudi Pro League.

The club stressed that it remains fully committed to defending its legitimate rights through all available regulatory means.