Saudi Arabia awarded penalty appeal ignored in Gulf Cup win over Kuwait

Saudi Arabia should have been awarded a penalty during their 1-0 victory over Kuwait in the opening round of the Arabian Gulf Cup “Gulf 27”, according to refereeing experts جمال الغندور and احمد الكاف.

Speaking on Abu Dhabi Sports, the Egyptian and Omani officials agreed that a handball in the first half warranted a spot-kick, despite the incident being missed by both the referee and the video assistant referee team.

The controversial moment came in the 28th minute at Alinma Stadium, part of King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. During a challenge, a Kuwait player raised his hand and the ball struck it. The initial impression was that the ball had hit the head of a Saudi Arabia player, and play continued without a review or penalty.

Both experts concluded that the defender’s hand was extended away from his body in an unnatural position. On that basis, they said the decision should have been a penalty under the laws of the game.

Al-Kaf said the incident was difficult for Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro to identify in real time and suggested he should not carry most of the blame for the missed call. Instead, he placed greater responsibility on the video assistant referee team, saying it should have intervened and directed Pinheiro to review the incident.

Saudi Arabia ultimately secured victory through an own goal by Kuwait defender Yusuf Al-Haqan in the 73rd minute. The result gave the hosts three points and put them top of Group A after the opening round.

Iraq and Oman have one point each following their 1-1 draw in the group’s other match, while Kuwait remain without a point.

Jeddah is hosting Gulf 27 from 23 September to 6 October 2026. Eight teams are taking part in the competition, divided between two groups.