The Saudi Arabia Football Federation is set to review its spectator code of conduct after a supporter was seen whipping an Al-Ittihad player.
The video showed striker Abderrazak Hamdallah throwing water from a bottle at the fan, who also responded by pulling out a long whip and lashing at the Morocco international twice appearing to hit the player’s back the second time.
The incident which took place at the end of Al-Ittihad’s defeat by Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup in Abu Dhabi on Thursday night has gone viral and as a result the Saudi Arabian Football Federation has released a communique condemning the act and also calling for a change in their football rules.
“Football in Saudi Arabia is a family game and, thankfully, fan disorder is extremely rare,” said the SAFF.
“It’s why the actions of this ‘so called’ fan go against all that Saudi football represents and we completely condemn the incident.
“There will be a thorough review of the spectator code of conduct. The review will ensure updated rules and regulations are put in place to swiftly and effectively impose suitable penalties to help avoid any repeat of such incidents.”
In their bid to become the sole candidate to host the World Cup in 2034 the Saudi Arabian Football Federation would hope that this review will keep fans in check at the stadiums.
